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YOUNG FOLKS' HEROES OF HISTORY. 

By GEORGE MAKEPEACE TOWLE. 
Handsomely Illustrated. Price per vol., $1.25. Sets in neat boxes. 

VASCO DA GAMA: 

HIS VOYAGES AND ADVENTURES. 
•' Da Gama's history is full of striking adventures, thrilling incidents, and 
perilous situations; and Mr. Towle, while not sacrificing historical accuracy, 
has so skilfully used his materials, that we have a charmingly romantic tale." 
— Rural New- Yorker. 

PIZ ARRO: 

HIS ADVENTURES AND CONQUESTS. 
•' No hero of romance possesses greater power to charm the youthful reader 
than the conqueror of Peru. Not even King Arthur, or Thaddeus of War- 
saw, has the power to captivate the imagination of the growing boy. Mr. 
Towle has handled his subject in a glowing but truthful manner; and we 
venture the assertion, that, were our children led to read such books as this, 
the taste for unwholesome, exciting, wrong-teaching boys' books — dime 
novels in books' clothing — would be greatly diminished, to the great gain of 
mental force and moral purpose in the rising generation." — Chicago Alliance. 

MAGELLAN; 

OR, THE FIRST VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD. 
•' What more of romantic and spirited adventures any bright boy could 
want than is to be found in this series of historical biography, it is diflBcult 
to imagine. This volume is written in a most sprightly manner; and the 
life of its hero, Fernan Magellan, with its rapid stride from the softness of 
a petted youth to the sturdy courage and persevering fortitude of manhood, 
makes a tale of marvellous fascination." — Christian Union. 

MARCOPOLO: 

HIS TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES. 
"The story of the adventurous Venetian, who six hundred years ago pene- 
trated into India and Cathay and Thibet and Abyssinia, is pleasantly and 
clearly told; and nothing better can be put into the hands of the school boy 
or girl than this series of the records of noted travellers. The heroism dis- 
played by these men was certainly as great as that ever shown by conquering 
warrior ; and it was exercised in a far nobler cause, — the cause of knowledge 
and discovery, which has made the nineteenth century what it is." — Oraphic. 

RALEGH: 

HIS EXPLOITS AND VOYAGES. 

•' This belongs to the ' Young Folks' Heroes of History ' series, and deals 
with a greater and more interesting man than any of its predecessors. With 
all the black spots on his fame, there are few more brilliant and striking 
ligures in English history than the soldier, sailor, courtier, author, and ex- 
plorer, Sir Walter Ralegh. Even at this distance of time, more than two 
hundred and fifty years after his head fell on the scaffold, we cannot read his 
story without emotion. It is graphically written, and is pleasant reading, 
not only for young folks, but for old folks with young hearts." — Fi3ma7j's 
Journal. 

DRAKE: 

THE SEA-LION OF DEVON. 
Drake was the foremost sea-captain of his age, the first English admiral 
to send a ship completely round the world, the hero of the magnificent 
victory which the English won over the Invincible Armada. His career was 
stirring, bold, and adventurous, from early youth to old age. 

Sold by all Booksellers^ and sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of price. 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers .... BOSTON. 



J 



Young Folks' Heroes of History 



DRAKE 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON 



BY 



GEORGE M. TOWLE 

AUTHOR OF "VASCO DA GAMA" "MAGELLAN" "PIZARRO** 
"MARCO polo" "RALEGH" 



j;>:.-obP>f«»^ 






BOSTON 
LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS 

NEW YORK CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM 
1883 






THE LIBRARY 

or CONGRESS 

WASHINGTON 



DJtTt 



Copyright, 1882, 
By lee and SHEPARD. 



All Ri£^ht5 Reserved. 



/^ 



Boston Stereotype Foundry, 
4 Feabl Stbbet. 



/I 



PREFACE. 




IR FRANCIS DRAKE, called in his own 
time the " Sea-King of Devon," was one 
of the chief figures in that brilliant group 
of genius and valor which surrounded the throne 
of the Maiden Queen Elizabeth. He was the fore- 
most of the sea-conquerors of his age. Amid a 
throng of English captains skilled in every mari- 
time art, fearless in encounter, dauntless in attack 
and spirited in adventure, Drake rose to undisputed 
pre-eminence. As a buccaneer, ploughing the 
oceans in search of captures and plunder, preying 
upon the commerce of the hated Spaniards, pil- 
laging colonies and filling the holds of his ships 
with the gold and gems taken from the enemy, 
he was more vigorous, successful and ruthless than 
any corsair of that day. He was the first English 
admiral to sail a ship completely around the globe ; 
and a remote result of his famous and romantic 



IV PREFACE. 

voyage was the establishment of an English Em- 
pire in the Orient. He was the hero of the 
magnificent victory which the English won over 
the Invincible Armada in the Channel; and his 
bravery, which drove the Armada, burning, scat- 
tered, and wrecked, from English waters, may be 
said to have determined the course which the 
civilization of the world — especially of the New 
World — would thenceforth pursue. 

Drake was one of those rough, blunt, sturdy, fear- 
less men who seem peculiarly formed to do deeds 
of heroism, to appear most nobly in scenes of danger, 
and to achieve the most difficult feats of daring 
and action, whether in warlike contention or in 
conflict with formidable elements of nature ; and 
his career, stirring and adventurous, bold and un- 
resting from early youth to age, in spite of the pira- 
cies which were excused by his own time, though 
they seem wicked in ours, is full of lessons of manly 
qualities, and of great and often admirable deeds. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. rxG%. 

Youthful Days i 

CHAPTER II. 
Drake crosses the Atlantic i6 

CHAPTER III. 
A Desperate Sea-Fight /^. 33 

CHAPTER IV. 
Drake in Mexico 49 

CHAPTER V. 
Drake beholds the Pacific 65 

CHAPTER VI. 
Drake in Ireland 8x 

CHAPTER VII. 
Bound for the Pacific 96 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Doughty's Treason and Execution . . . .113 

CHAPTER IX. 
Drake at Cape Horn 130 

CHAPTER X. 
Adventures with the Indians 149 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XI. FAGE. 

Drake crosses the Pacific 164 

CHAPTER XII. 
Drake in the Asiatic Seas . . • • • 181 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Around the Globe 200 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Sea-Battles in the West Indies .... 215 

CHAPTER XV. 
The Spanish Armada 231 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Drake's Last Voyage 245 

CHAPTER XVII. 
Death of Drake . • 260 



DRAKE: 

THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 




CHAPTER I. 

YOUTHFUL DAYS. 

HE picturesque and historical English 
county of Devon was not only the birth- 
place of Sir Walter Ralegh, whose career 
was described in our last volume, but was also the 
birthplace of his great predecessor in naval war- 
fare, who forms the subject of these pages. 

While Ralegh's boyhood, however, was spent 
in the eastern part of the county, that of Drake 
was passed some miles westward, where Devon 
borders on Cornwall. 

In this western part, the pastoral beauties of the 
county, its dipping vales and verdant hills, its 
noisy streams and ancient manors, rival the scenes 
of Ralegh's early days. 



2 DRAKE : 

There still clusters on the banks of the river 
Tavy the old market town of Tavistock, in the 
midst of a fertile valley, and at the central point 
of a smiling landscape. The town is as busy and 
bright as it was three centuries ago. The sur- 
rounding farmers still flock into its zigzag streets 
on market days, display the fruits of their toil, 
and bargain, haggle, and gossip, just as their 
sturdy ancestors were wont to do in the remote 
days of the good Queen Bess. The two strong 
bridges which even so long ago spanned the Tavy 
in the midst of the little town, still serve to bear 
the heavy wagons as they creep along to the scene 
of bucolic trade. 

Indeed, Tavistock, with its straggling thorough- 
fares by the river side, its quaint old rows of 
houses, its homely and cozy hostelries, has changed 
its aspect but very little since the troublous times of 
the Tudors. A few small manufactories have been 
added to its farming industry ; and these serve to 
sustain its ancient importance in the county. 

Just aside from the Tavy, you may espy the ven- 
erable abbey, the largest and most imposing in 
Devonshire ; where the good people of Tavistock 
have worshipped, wedded, and been buried these 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 3 

nine hundred years or more. It is said that the 
second printing press ever set up in England was 
put in motion in Tavistock abbey. 

When this ancient edifice was taken away from 
its original proprietors, the Benedictine monks, it 
was conferred on Lord Russell, the ancestor of the 
famous family of that name, which has taken so 
notable a part in English history ; and the abbey 
is still the property of the Duke of Bedford, the 
head of the Russell family. 

At a place named Crowndale, about a mile from 
the town, there used to stand, as recently as the lat- 
ter part of the last century, a low, wide-roofed cot- 
tage, almost hid from view by dense ivies and other 
clinging vines, and almost buried amid copses of 
venerable trees. It was a queer old place, with 
its gables, its small-paned windows, and its air of 
drowsy age. Those who came, ever and anon, to 
visit it, did not fail to observe how it lay in the 
midst of a lovely picture of pastoral scenery. On 
one side rose the rough, imposing Morwell Rocks ; 
from its windows you had charming glimpses of 
the sloping and winding vales of the Walcombe 
and the Lyd ; not far off you might examine the 
Dewer Stone, and crouch in the " Cave of the 



4 DRAKE : 

Virtuous Lady," listening to the legend which 
suggests its name, as told by some loquacious 
rustic. 

It was in this cottage, and amid these sweet 
and sunny scenes, that there lived, in the time of 
bluff Henry the Eighth, a modest, retiring, and 
somewhat poverty-stricken gentleman, by the name 
of Drake. What had been the avocation of his 
early days, or how he came to settle down in this 
quaint Devon cottage, we do not know. But in 
the middle of the sixteenth century he was serving 
as a chaplain in the royal navy ; while he eked out 
a straitened existence by the cultivation of his 
little farm. Mr. Drake no doubt found it a far 
from easy task to satisfy the appetites of his 
healthy and fast growing boys ; but he kept work- 
ing away, and besides feeding them, imparted to 
them such an education as his knowledge of men 
and books could supply. But Mr. Drake had a 
trait which got him into trouble. He was a 
firm and sturdy Protestant, and made no secret 
of his conversion to and zeal in the new faith. 
Those were stormy and uncertain days for Prot- 
estants in England ; for Henry the Eighth, though 
he had introduced the Reformation into England, 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 5 

was capricious in his theological course, and some- 
times oppressed the Protestants as bitterly as he 
had done the Catholics. 

Under one of the royal edicts, the poor navy- 
chaplain of Tavistock became liable to punishment 
for the boldness and openness of his religious 
views ; to escape which, he one night suddenly 
broke up his household at Crowndale, and hastened 
with his family to an obscure retreat in Kent, at 
the other end of England. How long he staid 
in Kent, or what he did to gain a living during 
his sojourn there, history does not tell us ; but 
there is reason to believe that after bluff King 
Hal had been succeeded on the throne by the boy 
king, Edward the Sixth, Mr. Drake returned to 
his former home in Devonshire. 

The eldest of his family of twelve hearty boys was 
named Francis, after his father. Francis was born, 
undoubtedly, before his father hurried away so 
abruptly into Kent. The date of his birth was 
probably 1539 ; though, so obscure are the records 
of his early life, that some historians are disposed 
to believe that he came into the world at a later 
period. At all events, Francis Drake spent the 
days of his early childhood amid the lovely sur- 



6 DRAKE : 

roundings of Tavistock. He was from the first 
noted for his active and restless temperament, his 
hardy frame and powers of endurance, his fond- 
ness for daring adventure and athletic sports. He 
fished in the pretty, winding Tavy ; he climbed the 
Dartmoor hills, and perhaps hunted among their 
dells for small game ; he studied somewhat, though 
his opportunities for education were for the most 
part confined to the instruction his father, in mo- 
ments snatched from absorbing toils, was able to 
give him ; and, in the midst of his pursuits and 
recreations, he began very early in life to dream 
glowing dreams of a career at sea. 

In pursuance of his duties as navy-chaplain, the 
elder Drake often repaired to the busy Devon port 
of Plymouth ; and was in the habit of sometimes 
taking his eldest son with him. Indeed it is said 
that for a while the family resided in that town. 
Here Francis was brought in contact with many 
a talkative "old salt," who told him tales of the 
sea which made him impatient to grow big enough 
to follow the adventures of the perilous main him- 
self. While his good father was busy with his 
pious services, the boy wandered delightedly 
about the wharves and ships, or strolled among 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. / 

the rocks and cliffs which overlook the English 
Channel. 

Among the many hardy navigators whom young 
Drake met at Plymouth, was the famous Captain, 
afterwards Sir John Hawkins. This brave man 
was a cousin of Drake's, and had long been en- 
gaged in the trade which existed between England 
and the Canary Islands. Hawkins took a great 
fancy to his young cousin, and liked to sit and 
tell him long and thrilling yarns about his adven- 
tures at sea. He encouraged the lad's desire to 
himself follow the sea as a profession ; and soon 
perceived that he was the sort of stuff to carve 
out a brilliant career for himself. 

In after years, Hawkins was destined to perform 
many feats of naval warfare and peril ; and the 
fate of young Drake became, for a time, closely 
connected with that of his doughty kinsman. 

One day, as young Drake was idling among the 
ships, he was accosted by a brawny seaman, whom 
he had often seen and talked with at his father's 
house. This seaman, being a bachelor, had often 
sojourned for a week or two with the Drakes ; and 
had received many kindnesses from the navy- 
chaplain. He owned, it seemed, a sturdy little 



8 DRAKE : 

vessel, which he was in the habit of sailing be- 
tween Plymouth and the French coast, carrying 
backward and forward such modest cargoes as he 
could pick up. 

He was not long in perceiving Francis's bent, 
and his big heart warmed to the boy who, thus 
early, evinced a passion for all that pertained to the 
sea. So, on this day, taking him on board his 
vessel, and bidding him sit down on the ropes, he 
said to him, — 

" Don't you think I've a tight little craft here, 
my lad ? " 

"You have, indeed," rephed Drake, looking 
around. "There's none stancher in Plymouth 
harbor." 

" So you like her, do you ? And how would you 
like to sail in her back and forth ? " 

Young Drake stared at the seaman with a look 
of surprise ; and his face lit up with an eager ex- 
pression. He had never been really out to sea; 
and his dream by day and night had long been to 
find himself on the broad deep, and out of sight 
of land. 

" Oh, I should Uke it," replied he, " more than 
anything." 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 9 

"Well," said the master of the vessel, ''I'll tell 
you what I've been thinking. I've followed the sea 
now this many a year ; and though I'm tough still, 
I feel myself getting old. My arms and legs don't 
stand me in as good stead as they used to do, and 
I find it harder, in an ugly squall, to manage my 
boat than I did a year or two ago. Now, I want a 
good, sturdy young fellow to help me run her 
back and forth ; and I rather think you're just the 
boy for me. Would you like to be my apprentice ? " 

"I'd like nothing better in all the world," re- 
sponded Francis, with beaming eyes. 

" But how would your father like it .-* Do you 
think he would consent ? " 

" Oh, I hope so. If you will only ask him, sir, I 
think he will." 

" Well, I will lose no time in doing so," was the 
hearty reply of the old mariner. 

He was as good as his word. He sought an 
early occasion to talk with Mr. Drake, who was at 
first very unwilling to give his consent to the 
proposal. The boy, he said, was too young, and 
had not yet received his education. But when he 
found that not only the master of the vessel, but 
Francis himself was set upon the plan, he yielded. 



lO DRAKE : 

It did not take Francis long to prepare for the 
momentous change in his boyish life. With eager 
zeal he devoted himself to learning the various 
terms for the rigging and other parts of the vessel ; 
how to manage the sails, how to steer, and how to 
ascertain the position of the ship. He watched, 
more narrowly than ever before, the manoeu- 
vres of the sailors on board the various vessels in 
the harbor ; and received with more than willing 
ear the careful advice and instructions of his 
father. 

A snug little berth was fitted up for him on board 
the vessel which was, for a while at least, to be- 
come his rude and tempest-tossed home ; and a 
suit of rough sailor's clothes was soon completed 
for him by the busy hands of his mother. 

It was with much emotion that, on the eve of 
his first voyage, he embraced and bade adieu to 
father and mother, and the noisy troop of his many 
little brothers ; and that, at last, he found himself 
on the deck of the vessel, one afternoon, gliding 
under a brisk breeze out of Plymouth harbor. 

We may well imagine that the first few hours 
were not very comfortable ones to our verdant 
young sailor ; but we may be sure that, through 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. II 

all the discomfort and danger, he kept up a stout, 
manly heart. He soon became used to the slough- 
ing and pitching of the ship ; and before his first 
voyage was over, knew as well how to hoist, trim, 
and take in sail as his master. The latter was sur- 
prised at the quickness with which his apprentice 
learned to perform every task on board ; and exult- 
ingly declared to him that he *' was born to be a 
great sailor." 

It was not many months before the worthy 
skipper found himself able to leave the entire 
charge of his vessel to Drake's management ; and 
being now old and infirm, he often remained 
ashore, and allowed the young tar to run along the 
c^ast, and to and fro on the Channel by himself. 

The more Drake saw of the rough life of the 
sea, the fonder he became of it, and the more ar- 
dent grew his ambition to pursue it in a wider 
sphere. Month by month he added to his ex- 
perience, and managed to lay up a little of the 
small wages he received. By and by his master 
admitted him into partnership, so that he shared 
the modest profits acquired by the excursions of 
the little craft. 

Drake's courage and quickness to learn, his 



12 DRAKE : 

manly and active temperament, and his love for 
the sea, completely won the affection of his master, 
who ended by adopting him as his heir. 

One day the old skipper was taken ill in his 
cottage ; and it soon became clear that he would 
never rise from his bed again. When Drake re- 
turned from the short voyage he had been making 
to a neighboring port, he found the good man 
dying. He was overwhelmed with grief, for his 
master had been all that was kind and generous 
to him. The young sailor devoted his care and 
time to his departing friend ; tended at his bed- 
side, and iiid what he could to comfort his last 
hours. 

When at last the skipper breathed his last, and 
was buried, Drake found that he had bequeathed 
all his earthly possessions to him. These posses- 
sions were, indeed, trifling ; but in them was in- 
cluded the stout little craft in which Drake had 
sailed so long, and to which he was so strongly 
attached. 

He now found himself her sole owner ; and with 
her, the master of a thriving coastwise trade. 
Several of his younger brothers, — he had eleven 
brothers in all, — had now reached an age when 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 3 

they, too, could go to sea. They shared their 
eldest brother's love of a seafaring life ; and he 
initiated the two next younger than himself in 
the mysteries of managing a vessel. 

He pursued his trade with all the strength, 
ardor, and ambition of his hardy nature. He braved 
the fiercest storms with a cool intrepidity which 
won him praise on every hand. No tempest, how- 
ever furious, could keep him in port when he had 
a voyage in view. Many times he was in great 
peril of his life, and once or twice he was driven 
by the heavy seas of the Channel upon the islands. 

As, month by month, and year by year, he 
steadily stuck to his business, he gradually saved 
a goodly sum ; and with it he aided his father and 
mother, who were now old and poor, and gave, 
now and then, a lift to his little brothers. 

But after a while, he began to long to take part 
in larger undertakings than those of the Channel 
trade. At the age of eighteen, he was a man in 
height and strength, and in the fullness of his 
experience. He thought himself capable of greater 
things than the humble calling which he had thus 
far followed ; and he made up his mind that, at 
the first opportunity, he would transfer his faithful 



14 DRAKE : 

little craft to one of his brothers, and embark on 
more ambitious enterprises. 

At that period of the world's history, no one 
seemed to regard the slave trade as barbarous or 
cruel. It was considered a proper and lawful ob- 
ject of commerce to seize the savage Africans on 
their coast, to stow them away in the holds of 
vessels, and to carry and sell them where their 
labor was needed. The traffic in slaves was 
indulged in without hindrance by the most civil- 
ized nations. The slave merchant grew rich, and 
was respected in the community where he lived. 
The moral sense even of the most enlightened men 
had not been aroused to regard this trade as an 
enormity and a crime. 

The slave trade was indeed, in Drake's time, 
the most profitable of all the branches of English 
commerce. All who entered it made fortunes. 
Besides, there was just enough danger in it to 
stimulate the love of adventure and incident which 
found a place in the hearts of the tough English 
sailors. 

Drake, never once taking it into his head that 
it was wrong to kidnap and sell^ the poor blacks 
of Africa, began to be anxious to share in the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 5 

perils and profits of this traffic. He saw in it a 
chance to get rich, to give ease to the declining 
years of his parents, and at the same time to in- 
dulge in the stirring life for which his bold and 
uneasy spirit yearned. 

Ere long an opportunity presented itself ; and 
Drake found himself launched upon a far more 
exciting sphere of action than that in which he 
had hitherto labored. 



1 6 DRAKE : 






CHAPTER II. 

DRAKE CROSSES THE ATLANTIC. 

RAKE'S kinsman, stout John Hawkins, had 
been for some years actively engaged in the 
slave trade. He would sail his ship to the 
coast of Guinea, and there, by force or stratagem, 
would procure his cargo of dusky savages, and 
carry them away to the Spanish islands. There 
he would barter them for gold ; and returning to 
Plymouth, would relate with rough glee the ad- 
ventures and profits of his expedition. 

Of course, there were now and then times when 
Drake found himself in Plymouth when Hawkins 
was there. He heard the captain's glowing stories 
of gain, and became fired with the ambition to 
follow his example. It never entered his mind 
that the trade in slaves was cruel and infamous ; 
it was the custom of the age, and was encouraged 
by the sovereign herself. Why should he not en- 
rich himself in this way, as others had done and 
were doing ? 

Finally, Hawkins agreed to take his brave and 



THE 3EA-KING OF DEVON. 1/ 

sturdy young kinsman into his service. He gave 
him the place of mate in his own ship ; and after a 
while, Drake was admitted to a share in the large 
profits of the voyages. 

Drake soon found himself quite at home in his 
wider sphere of action. Familiar now with all the 
arts of practical navigation, and fearless amid the 
most formidable perils, he won the complete admi- 
ration and confidence of Hawkins. He bore a 
stout and blithe heart amid the tempests, and in 
dealing with the sailors showed that he possessed 
the genius of command. When, on his first 
voyage, the ship anchored off the Guinea coast, 
Drake was one of the foremost of those who went 
ashore, and invaded the rude villages of the ill- 
fated natives. In the unequal contests between 
the invaders and their victims, he always took a 
vigorous part ; and soon proved himself as dauntless 
in this savage warfare as he was when ploughing 
the mighty deep. 

Ere very long, Drake found himself in posses- 
sion of a goodly competence, which he freely lav- 
ished upon his parents and brothers. Visions of 
a yet wider career began to occupy and stir his 
mind ; and when, one day, Hawkins announced 



1 8 DRAKE : 

to him that he was about to proceed with a squad- 
ron across the Atlantic, and offered him the com- 
mand of one of the vessels, Drake seized the 
chance with joyful promptness. 

Drake was now a muscular man of twenty-eight. 
His features had become bronzed and weather- 
beaten ; his frame, of medium height, was strongly 
knit by the exposure and hardships which he had 
been continually undergoing from early boyhood ; 
his countenance was bold, fearless, and somewhat 
stern ; his bearing betokened a man used to com- 
mand. His large blue eyes were bright and pierc- 
ing ; a flowing moustache and a pointed beard on 
his chin followed the fashion of Queen Elizabeth's 
time. Drake made himself respected and feared 
by the sailors over whom he was placed. He had 
but little education, and was rough and sailor-like 
in his ways. His was a soul of iron ; he was full 
of courage, of determination, and had great men- 
tal and physical vigor. 

The expedition to the islands of the Spanish 
Main was to sail from the familiar Plymouth har- 
bor. It was not Hawkins's first voyage across the 
Atlantic. Twice before, he had followed the track 
of Columbus toward the setting sun. English 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. I9 

navigators and buccaneers, who had long ceased 
to find a profit on the American coast, had once 
more turned their eyes in that direction ; and 
their ambition had been aroused anew by the 
rivalry which had arisen between England and 
Spain. Spain had become England's bitterest 
foe ; and England had resolved, in retaliation, to 
become Spain's rival on the high seas, and in the 
conquest and colonization of distant lands. But 
previous to this quarrel, Hawkins had made two 
voyages to the American islands ; and had suc- 
ceeded in making them exceedingly profitable by 
the sale of his slaves. The last of these voyages 
had taken place two years before the expedition 
was planned, in whose adventures Drake was des- 
tined to take part. 

Now, the prospect of capturing rich Spanish 
galleons, laden with cargoes of precious metals 
and the valuable products of remote climes, was 
added to the almost certain profits to be gained 
from the sale of slaves ; and both Hawkins and 
Drake looked forward with high hope to the 
results of their venture. 

It was in the early autumn of 1567 that the six 
goodly ships, which were to form Hawkins's 



20 DRAKE : 

squadron, rode at anchor in the pretty harbor of 
Plymouth. One of the smallest, but stoutest and 
most seaworthy, of the ships, was the "Judith,'* 
of the burden of only fifty tons. It was the 
"Judith" which was assigned to Drake's com- 
mand. In the last days preceding the setting 
forth of the expedition, Drake busied himself in 
making ample preparations for the long and peril- 
ous voyage. 

With what pride did he watch the movements 
of the trim little ship, as she rocked gently on the 
waves of the harbor ! With what paternal fond- 
ness did he examine her rigging, her sides, her 
masts, and her cabin ! He stocked his own cabin 
with such nautical instruments as were then known 
to mariners, and with a few books on the art of navi- 
gation ; he took great care in selecting his crew, 
choosing them, as far as he could, from among the 
sturdy companions of his former voyages ; and he 
made provision for the comfort of his parents dur- 
ing his long stay on distant waters. 

At last, on the second of October, all was ready, 
and the little squadron set sail, with colors flying 
and amid a chorus of farewells from the quays, 
just as the sun was rising to its zenith. Hawkins 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 21 

himself commanded the " Jesus," the flag-ship, 
which led the rest out into the Channel. Then 
came the "Judith," upon whose deck stood the 
bronzed and stalwart Drake, with plumed hat and 
flowing cloak. 

For a week the squadron proceeded on its way, 
the six ships keeping close together, under sunny 
skies and wafted by gentle breezes. But on the 
eighth day out a tremendous storm scattered them 
over the angry waves, and the coolness and skill 
of Drake were sorely tried. So violent were the 
winds that even the hardy Hawkins deemed it 
wise to turn his prows homeward ; and gave the 
order to such ships as he could hail, to return 
towards England. Scarcely had the ships headed 
in a northerly direction, however, than the wind 
suddenly changed again, and fell to a light breeze ; 
whereupon Hawkins once more gave the order 
to proceed toward the African coast. 

The ships, scattered over the great deep by the 
storm, found a rendezvous at the Canary Islands, 
where they took in water. In just six weeks 
after setting out from Plymouth, Drake espied, 
from the deck of the "Judith," the familiar coast 
of Guinea ; and the squadron was soon after safely 
anchored off Cape Verde. 



22 DRAKE ! 

The first thing to do was to seize as many 
negroes as possible, and to stow them away in the 
ships. Landing with one hundred and fifty picked 
men, Hawkins and Drake scoured the country in 
the vicinity of the coast. But their success was 
not equal to their hopes, for they were able to 
capture but few blacks ; and even these were not 
secured until they had killed a number of the 
English with their poisoned arrows and javelins. 
" Although in the beginning," wrote Hawkins in 
narrating the expedition, " these seemed to be 
but small hurts, yet there escaped hardly any men 
who had blood drawn of them ; but they died in a 
strange manner, after their wounds seemed healed. 
I myself had one of the most serious wounds ; yet, 
thanks be to God, I escaped." After this rather 
unlucky adventure, Hawkins continued cruising 
along the African coast, and picking up, here and 
there, what few unfortunate blacks he and his 
men could lay their hands on. 

One day the ships anchored in a harbor where 

there seemed to be a good prospect of making 

'some captures. While Hawkins was preparing to 

make an incursion inland, some of his men came 

to him and told him that a negro, evidently of 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 23 

rank and importance, had arrived from the interior, 
and was anxious to communicate with the captain. 

Seating himself on a little knoll just above the 
harbor, with Drake and the other shipmasters 
around him, Hawkins ordered that the negro 
should be brought before him. The new comer 
was so very black that his features could scarcely 
be distinguished. His big eyes glistened and 
showed their whites, partly from distrust and fear, 
and partly from curiosity. He wore nothing but 
a rude robe made from a tiger's skin ; and in his 
ears hung two enormous rings of some shining 
metal. 

As soon as he had recovered from his timidity 
at finding himself alone in the midst of a group of 
white men, the negro began to make rapid motions 
and gestures, chattering all the while in his native 
tongue, of which, of course, none of the English- 
men understood a word. But Hawkins had been 
so long engaged in the slave trade, and had had so 
many dealings with the negroes, that he was not 
slow to understand the meaning of his gestures 
and grimaces. 

He succeeded in making out that the negro 
was the envoy of a certain swarthy king, who 



24 DRAKE : 

ruled one of the countries not many miles in the 
interior ; and that this potentate, hearing of the 
arrival of the English on the coast, had sent to 
seek their aid in a desperate war which he was at 
that moment carrying on. It appeared that two 
neighboring kings had joined forces for the pur- 
pose of destroying him, and dividing his dominions 
between them. He was now in a forlorn state, 
for his subjects had been overwhelmingly defeated 
in a long and ferocious battle. 

Hawkins, always with a keen eye to his own 
advantage, saw at once that this was an oppor- 
tunity to profit by the quarrels of these savage 
monarchs. By allying himself with the defeated 
king, and putting his enemies to rout, he might 
hope to fill the nearly empty holds of his vessels 
with the human cargoes he had hitherto failed to 
obtain ; and by capturing and sacking their towns, 
he might also find treasures worth carrying away 
with him. 

So he told the negro envoy to hasten back to 
his master, and to apprise him that the English 
would follow forthwith to his rescue. With the 
bold Drake as his lieutenant, Hawkins set forward 
next morning with a well-armed force of one hun- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 2^ 

dred and twenty men. With their skill and their 
firearms, even so small a number would be a match 
for an army of untaught savages. The company 
marched without obstacle or hindrance through 
the country, which at first they found almost de- 
serted ; for the negroes, dreading the slave-ships, 
had, to a large extent, retreated from the neighbor- 
hood of the coast. At last, on reaching the top 
of a hill, Hawkins espied a thickly settled village, 
nestled in an open space on the further edge of 
the valley. He found that this village belonged 
to one of the adversaries of his dusky ally ; and 
lost no time in preparing to attack it. 

The village was strongly defended by high 
palings and fences ; and as soon as the inhabitants 
caught sight of the white strangers, and suspected 
their hostile intentions, they prepared to resist 
the assault by every means in their power. 

Drake led the attacking force ; but so stout 
was the resistance of the natives, that he was 
driven back again and again. The poisoned ar- 
rows, shot from behind the palings, did deadly 
work; while the firearms of the English were of 
little avail against the wooden rampart. Hawkins 
was obliged to send in all haste back to the ships 



26 DRAKE : 

for reinforcements. When these arrived, he once 
more assailed the negro town. He was soon joined 
by a body of savages led by the king whose cause he 
was aiding ; and now the conflict became hot and 
desperate. At last the ramparts were scaled, and 
the English adventurers found themselves in pos- 
session of the place. 

" We put the inhabitants to flight," says Hawk- 
ins, in his narrative, " and took two hundred and 
fifty persons, men, women, and children, while our 
friend the king took six hundred ; of whom we 
hoped to have had our choice. But the negro (in 
which nation is seldom or never found truth) 
meant nothing less ; for that night he removed 
his camp and prisoners, so that we were fain to 
content us with those few we had gotten our- 
selves." 

Thus was Hawkins repaid, by the ingratitude 
of the dusky monarch whom he had come to help. 
But the expedition, after all, was not an unprof- 
itable one ; for the buccaneers found that their 
vessels were now laden with four or five hundred 
negroes. 

It was early in February, 1568, — four months 
after its departure from Plymouth — that the little 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 2/ 

squadron turned its prows westward, and sailed 
towards the Spanish main. For the first time 
Drake exulted in the thought that he was on the 
broad Atlantic, and was ploughing across that un- 
ruly and dangerous deep of which so many thrilling 
stories had reached his ears. At last, his eye 
would rest on the wonders of the New World ; its 
rich and luxuriant scenery, its wealth in fruits and 
in precious metals ; and his love of adventure 
would be gratified by the encounter with England's 
Spanish rivals, and the dusky tribes of the Western 
Islands. 

The transit across the Atlantic consumed about 
seven weeks ; nor did any accident occur to mar 
the prosperous voyage. No mighty storms scat- 
tered or wrecked the sturdy ships; there was 
ample provision on board; and the experience 
which Hawkins had acquired by his two previous 
voyages was now of great service to him in guid- 
ing the squadron across the ocean by the quickest 
route. On the 27th of March, Drake, standing on 
the deck of the "Judith," and enjoying the soft 
and balmy breezes blowing from the Gulf of Mex- 
ico, caught sight of land ; and the intelligence 
quickly spread to the other vessels. The land 



28 DRAKE : 

proved to be the island we now call Hayti, but 
which the buccaneers then knew as "Dominica." 
The squadron cast anchor in one of the harbors, 
and Hawkins prepared to sell his slaves, and to 
exchange his merchandise with the Spanish col- 
onists. 

England and Spain were now unfriendly to each 
other ; and the Spanish king had sent orders to 
his colonists in the West Indies not to have any 
dealings with the English. But Hawkins's slaves 
and goods were too tempting to be rejected; and 
in spite of the king's commands, he drove a brisk 
trade with the Spanish planters and merchants. 

The squadron coasted along from island to island, 
and wherever the English landed, they were well 
received and entertained. At last they reached 
Capo de la Vela, and attempted to open a traffic 
with a large Spanish settlement called Rio de la 
- Hacha. The governor of this place was of dif- 
ferent metal from the rest. He hated and feared 
the English, and was eager to fulfil his sovereign's 
commands. Hawkins was very anxious to trade 
at Rio de la Hacha, for it was there that he 
expected to get pearls in exchange for his mer- 
ehandise. But when he found himself opposite 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 29 

the town, he perceived, to his chagrin, that it 
was fortified, and that its ramparts were defended 
by Spanish soldiers. 

"We were obhged," he says, "to assail the town 
and enter it by force. With two hundred men we 
landed and broke in upon their bulwarks, and 
entered the town with a loss of only two men on 
our part. No hurt was done to the Spaniards, 
because, after they had discharged their first volley 
of shot, they all turned and fled. Thus having 
possession of the town, we obtained a secret 
trade ; for the Spaniards resorted to us by night, 
and bought of us to the number of two hundred 
negroes." 

Having thus overcome the Spanish governor 
and his troops at Rio de la Hacha, Hawkins pro- 
ceeded on his way. At Cartagena, he met with a 
similar cold reception ; but as the season was ad- 
vancing, as he had already spent many weeks 
among the islands, and as, moreover, he had 
disposed of a large part of his cargoes of slaves, 
he thought it the part of prudence not to attempt 
to take this town by force. 

Already, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean 
sea were swept by frequent arid terrific storms. 



30 DRAKE : 

The little squadron had been long at sea, and 
several of the vessels sadly needed repairs. Haw- 
kins, therefore, resolved to gain a good shelter on 
the main coast as speedily as possible. 

He first directed his course toward the peninsula 
of Florida. Skirting the western coast of Cuba, 
and animated by the hope of soon reaching a 
secure haven where the ships could be repaired 
and the crews rested and refreshed, of a sudden 
the whole squadron was plunged into imminent 
peril. 

A terrific hurricane and tempest, such as are 
frequent in midsummer in that region, over- 
whelmed the ships, and drove them frantically 
hither and thither over the mountainous billows. 
For four days and four nights the storm raged 
with a fury such as Drake had never witnessed or 
imagined. Day and night, lashed to a mast, he 
remained on deck to give his orders, and to take 
on the instant every measure for the safety of his 
ship. The flag-ship, the "Jesus," fared the worst 
from the dreadful fury of the winds and waves. One 
after another the buildings on her deck were 
beaten down and swept away. Her rudder was 
broken in a furious gale ; and suddenly she sprung 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 3 1 

SO large and dangerous a leak, that Hawkins was 
on the point of leaving her and trusting to the life- 
boats to take him and his crew safely to one of the 
other ships. 

Towards the evening of the fourth day, however, 
the gale subsided ; and presently the voyagers 
were filled with joy to see the clouds break away, 
and the waves decrease in size and violence. 
Hawkins observed with delight that all six of the 
ships were still safe and sound, and that they 
were soon able to join each other. 

The Florida coast ere long appeared in sight ; 
and soon the squadron was sailing along its level 
and sandy shores. But in vain did Hawkins 
search for a secure harbor. Everywhere the little 
bays and inlets were too shallow to admit the 
ships. The gallant captain kept up a stout heart, 
nor did his sailors murmur at their disappoint- 
ment. Hawkins knew that his only resource was 
to cross the Gulf of Mexico and find a haven on 
the Mexican coast. No sooner had the squadron 
got well away from the mainland, than it once 
more had to submit to the fury of the winds. 
Another storm burst forth, equal in violence to 
that through which they had passed so short a 



32 DRAKE : 

time before. It lasted three days ; but the skill 
of the sailors, and the hardy courage of their 
commanders, carried the vessels safely through its 
perils. 

The trials of the voyagers were but begun. 
Events soon occurred which tried all their forti- 
tude and valor. At the port of Saint John d'Ul- 
loa, in Mexico, which they reached after a dif- 
ficult voyage, they were destined to meet with 
more than one thrilling adventure. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 33 




CHAPTER III. 

A DESPERATE SEA-FIGHT. 

|S the little squadron was making for the 
Mexican coast, it encountered three small 
Spanish vessels, which carried about one 
hundred passengers. In those days, the right 
always lay with the strongest ; and so Hawkins 
did not hesitate to stop and board these ships, 
and transfer the passengers to his own vessels. 
They would serve as hostages, in case he had any 
trouble with the Spaniards on the Mexican coast ; 
and would enable him to demand provisions and a 
harbor. 

Three days after this capture, the coast ap- 
peared in view ; and soon the squadron was enter- 
ing the narrow channel which led to the port 
of St. John d'Ulloa. It was a miserable harbor, 
and the only safe anchorage was off a small, low, 
gravelly island in the bay. Even here, the only 
secure place for ships to be moored was narrow 
and confined, and did not offer more than enough 
room for Hawkins's squadron. So violent were the 



34 DRAKE : 

winds in that region, that he was forced to put up 
as best he could with this inconvenient shelter. 

The Spaniards in the town, which lay along the 
main shore just opposite the island, had no sooner 
perceived the squadron, than they mistook it for a 
Spanish fleet which they had long been daily ex- 
pecting. The officers in the town, ther-efore, made 
all haste to go and welcome those whom they sup- 
posed to be their countrymen. Several boats speed- 
ily put out from the main shore, and sped toward 
the ships. When they came alongside the "Jesus," 
the officers were taken on board. On gaining the 
deck, they stared about them in amazement. They 
perceived at once that the vessel was not a Span- 
ish one, and that the men were foreigners, who 
spoke a strange tongue. Their swarthy faces 
changed to an expression of alarm. They per- 
ceived that they had been greatly mistaken, and 
that they were completely in the power of an Eng- 
lish crew. 

The Spaniards, however, were soon reassured. 
Hawkins addressed them in their own language, 
and told them that they had nothing to fear from 
him ; that they might depart as they came, in 
safety ; and that all he asked of them was a prom- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 35 

ise that his ships should be supplied with provis- 
ions from the town. This promise the Spaniards 
very promptly made ; and were soon hastening 
back to the shore in their boats. 

The next day, Hawkins and Drake boarded a 
number of Spanish ships which were anchored 
near the shore, and found that they had on board 
a large treasure in gold and silver. The English- 
men were sorely tempted to seize this ; but pru- 
dence prevailed over cupidity. Hawkins took the 
precaution to seize two Spaniards of rank, and 
to dispatch them into the interior with a message 
for the Governor of Mexico. He sent him word 
that the English squadron had been forced to put 
in at St. John d'Ulloa by stress of weather and 
want of food ; and demanded that the Spaniards 
on the mainland should be permitted to sell him 
provisions, and to make the needed repairs on his 
ships. 

But before he could receive a reply from the 
Governor, a new peril confronted him. One morn- 
ing, as he and Drake sat together talking over 
their situation on the main deck of the flag-ship, 
a cloud of sail appeared above the horizon on the 
east. The rising sun, glowing upon the sail, soon 



36 DRAKE : 

showed Hawkins the Spanish flag floating above 
the canvasses. One after another the big galleons 
hove into full sight ; and with slow and stately 
movement bore directly down upon the harbor 
where the English squadron was anchored. 

"There is the Spanish fleet," said the admiral 
to Drake. " There is serious work in store for us. 
What shall we do .? " 

" We must not let them pass," returned Drake. 

" If I let them go within the harbor," said Hawk- 
ins, " they will be playing us some of their false 
Spanish tricks ; and in such a position we could 
not cope with them. But if we hold them off in 
the Gulf, they will surely be shipwrecked ; and then, 
perchance, Queen Bess could call us to heavy 
account." 

"Of the two dangers," retorted Drake, "we 
must choose the least. Once we are in their 
power, our doom is sealed. If they pass we 
shall be surely ruined." 

" I will make a treaty with them," said Hawk- 
ins. " If they will agree to my conditions, I will 
take the risk of letting them go within." 

A messenger was at once dispatched in a 
long boat to the approaching fleet. He boarded 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 3/ 

the Spanish flag-ship, and seeking the admiral, 
gave him Hawkins's message. The Spaniard 
received him with poHte courtesy, and said that 
he would gladly accept fair conditions. Haw- 
kins demanded that the people in the town 
should be allowed to sell him victuals, and to buy 
his merchandise; that the island where his ships 
were moored should remain undisputed in his 
possession, and that the eleven cannon on the 
island should be at his disposal for purposes of de- 
fence; that the Spanish admiral should send to 
the English flag-ship twelve gentlemen of rank as 
hostages and pledges of peace ; and that no Span- 
iard should land upon the island bearing any kind 
of weapon. The conditions, after some hesitation, 
were accepted ; except that the Spanish admiral 
sent only ten, instead of twelve hostages to the 
English squadron. 

Everything appearing to be thus amicably set- 
tled, the Spanish galleons floated toward the 
English ships. As they drew near, the trumpets 
were sounded in loud token of the friendly feeling 
on both sides ; and when the Spanish flag-ship was 
passing the "Jesus," the two commanders, each 
standing erect on his own deck, and surrounded 



38 DRAKE : 

by his officers, gracefully saluted one another, 
waving their hats and bowing "^low, in token of 
their mutual respect. As they did so, the guns 
boomed in every direction, and the flags were run 
briskly up to the mast-heads. 

It was necessary for the Spanish fleet to be 
moored off the same little island which afforded a 
haven to the English ; and in order to make room 
for them, Hawkins's ships were huddled still closer 
together on one side, while the Spanish ships were 
similarly crowded on the other. For two or three 
days all went on as pleasantly as possible. The 
Spanish and English officers visited each other 
freely on the decks, and strolled together on the 
pebbly shore of the little island. Hawkins and the 
Spanish admiral made merry with each other over 
bounteous fare and rich wines in their cabins ; and 
it seemed as if nothing was likely to disturb these 
friendly relations. 

But on the fourth day after the entrance of the 
Spanish fleet, Hawkins received intelligence which 
filled him with suspicion and alarm. He was told 
by his spies that, on the night before, a thousand 
men had been quietly taken on board the Spanish 
ships from the mainland ; that many strange move- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 39 

ments had been observed in the fleet ; that the 
Spanish cannon had been turned and pointed to- 
wards the English ; and that there was a great 
deal of bustling, and hurrying to and fro, between 
the fleet and the town on the mainland. 

Hawkins at once made up his mind what to do. 
He sent a messenger to the Spanish flag-ship, to 
ask of the admiral what all these unusual move- 
ments meant, and to declare that he relied 
implicitly upon the admiral's good faith. The 
admiral pretended to give prompt orders that the 
cannon should be turned away from the English 
squadron, and sent back word that no foul play 
toward Hawkins was intended. 

But the sturdy Englishman refused to be satisfied 
with this response ; and forthwith sent back the 
master of his own ship, the "Jesus," — a man who 
could speak and understand Spanish, — to ask the 
admiral if it were true that a thousand armed men 
had been brought on board the Spanish ships from 
the mainland. 

Minutes and hours passed, and Hawkins awaited 
in vain the return of his messenger. He failed to 
reappear. It was evident that the faithful master 
was being detained against his will. It was now 



40 DRAKE : 

clear to Hawkins that the Spaniards meant to play 
him false. His suspicion was very soon confirmed. 

As he stood upon deck, straining his eyes in the 
direction whence he expected his messenger to 
return, of a sudden the blasts of the trumpets on 
board the Spanish galleons struck upon his ear. 
In another instant, one of the largest galleons, 
which was moored close by the English ship 
*' Minion," swung round, and poured a broadside 
into her side. 

It happened that at this moment a number of 
the English sailors were on the shore of the island. 
Not suspecting the sudden treachery of the 
Spaniards, Hawkins had not taken the precaution 
to order his men on board. The poor fellows, 
straggling along the sands, were assailed merci- 
lessly by the Spanish cannon, and scattered in all 
directions ; some fleeing away from the shore, and 
others plunging into the water so that, if possible, 
they might reach the shelter of the ships. Mean- 
while, many Spaniards landed on the island and 
pursued the English here and there with desperate 
impetuosity. In various places there were bloody 
hand-to-hand fights ; but the Spaniards, being more 
numerous, and fully armed and prepared, soon 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 4I 

overcame the resistance of their surprised enemies. 
Every Englishman who fell in their way was 
savagely slaughtered, and left writhing and dying 
upon the beach. A few of the English, who were 
good swimmers, succeeded in getting to the 
*' Jesus," and scrambled on board. 

The deck of the big galleon which had given the 
signal for the conflict by firing into the " Minion," 
was crowded with a force of not less than three 
hundred fierce and heavily armed men. She con- 
tinued her assault upon the English vessel, which 
fared hard in the unequal encounter. But the 
"Minion" gallantly defended herself from the on- 
slaught of her bulky foe, and maintained her ground 
with valiant pluck. At last her crew were able to 
loosen her headfasts and to haul her away, and 
she escaped from the murderous blows of the 
galleon. 

The latter now turned her attention to the 
** Jesus," Hawkins's flag-ship ; at the same moment, 
two other galleons bore down upon the "Jesus." 
Hawkins and his men were in a perilous strait. 
In numbers, they were no match for the perfidious 
Spaniards, nor were they as well off in arms, am- 
munition, and ordnance. They had two tasks to 



42 DRAKE : 

perform ; first, to defend the good ship from the 
combined attack of the three galleons, and, at the 
same time, to make a desperate attempt to loosen 
her moorings, so that she might escape from the 
shower of the Spanish shot. 

The brave Hawkins stood on deck with un- 
covered head, waving his naked sword, and shouting 
his orders to his men in hoarse, stentorian tones. 
Now he turned to the plucky fellows who were 
answering, with grim persistency, the Spanish fire ; 
now he cried out to the sailors who were tugging 
away to set free the ship from the island. At last 
the latter were successful ; the moorings yielded, 
and the flag-ship swung out from her close prox- 
imity to her assailants, and found herself floating 
in the channel alongside the " Minion," in a far 
better position to cope with the great galleons 
which still pursued her. 

It was not long before both fleets were engaged 
in the furious fray. The fight waxed hot and close. 
The air was heavy with the up-rolling clouds of 
smoke, and the din of the reverberations was ter- 
rible to hear. The noise of masts falling with a 
crash, and then a splash into the water ; of cannon 
balls crunching through hulk and gunwale ; the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 43 

cries of the wounded, and hoarse shouts of the 
officers ; the lunging and plunging of the ships, 
filled the scene with dreadful echoes. 

Soon Drake, with the ''Judith," was in the midst 
of the conflict. Standing with grim features and 
dauntless bearing on the deck, his blood boiled 
with the rage of the onset. It was the first des- 
perate sea-fight in which he had ever taken part ; 
and his bold spirit exulted in the turmoil and 
danger and excitement of the melee. Once a 
Spanish ship approached so close to the "Judith," 
that Drake, reaching across the narrow interval, 
dealt so terrific a blow at a Spanish officer with his 
long sword, that the assaulted man fell whirling 
into the water, and sank, leaving a bloody streak 
upon the waves, to rise no more. 

For an hour or more, each ship, Spanish and 
English, heroically stood its ground, and refused 
to sink beneath the assaults of its antagonists. 
Then the Spanish flag-ship was seen to whirl and 
shiver, and with a mighty creak settle beneath the 
waves. A great shout went up from the English- 
men, and Hawkins began to hope for victory after 
all. Then another Spanish galleon plunged her 
bow into the waves and disappeared, while the men 



44 DRAKE : 

who had manned her were seen struggling in the 
water. 

But these calamities only incited the fierce 
Spanish warriors to still more desperate valor. 
Hawkins's ship, the "Jesus," was terribly riddled. 
Her masts and yards were cut away, and swung off 
into the sea ; and presently, so disabled did she 
become, that her commander and his men were 
forced to abandon her to her fate, and seek refuge 
on the other vessels. The loss of the " Judith " 
was presently followed by the sinking of one or 
two of the other English vessels. 

Hawkins had gone on board the " Minion," the 
stout little ship which had borne the brunt of the 
first sudden onset of the Spaniards. He succeeded, 
even in the midst of the battle, in transferring to 
her the provisions and ammunition of the deserted 
"Jesus." Then the "Jesus" was swung round 
between the "Minion" and the island, so as to 
receive the shot from a battery which the Spaniards 
had planted close to the shore, and from which 
they were pouring quickly-succeeding volleys into 
the sides of the " Minion." Thus was the " Minion " 
sheltered and saved. 

Fire was soon added to the other terrors of the 




A Desperate Sea Fight. — Page 43. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 45 

thrilling scene. Suddenly a lurid glare shed it- 
self over the ships and the water. A huge Span- 
ish galleon was burning from end to end ; and 
the men on board of her were dropping fast and 
thick into the water. The Spaniards retaliated by- 
setting fire to two of the larger English ships, 
which speedily became a glowing, roaring mass 
of flame. So near were these burning ships to the 
" Minion," that her men were terribly alarmed lest 
she too, should catch fire. In spite of Hawkins's 
remonstrances, the men weighed anchor, and having 
set her sails, withdrew her from the scene of 
devastation. 

Drake, too, saw that all was lost. Both sides 
had been terribly punished ; but the Spaniards, by 
reason of their numbers, arms, and the sudden 
treachery of their attack, had proved too much for 
the English. As far as he could see, Drake could 
not discern any English craft, except the " Min- 
ion," which he perceived hurriedly sailing away, 
and his own vessel, the *' Judith." To cope alone 
with the still ferocious and undismayed Spaniards, 
would have been an act of the sheerest folly. It 
might be that it was too late even to escape. But, 
with sorrowful heart, he ordered his men to cease 



46 DRAKE : 

fighting, and to get away, if possible, under cover of 
the now deepening twilight. It grieved his sturdy 
soul that in his first fight he had suffered the 
humiliation of defeat ; and this event only planted 
in his heart an undying hatred of the Spaniard, 
and a fierce resolve to revenge himself some day 
on England's perfidious foe. We shall see how 
effectually he afterwards kept this promise to 
himself. 

Darkness soon enveloped the scene of the bloody 
conflict, and under its dense obscurity the " Judith " 
slipped away into the open sea. Drake hoped to 
rejoin Hawkins and the " Minion " in the morning. 
As soon as he had got to a safe distance from the 
Spaniards, he cast anchor, and lay by all night. 
Fortunately the sea was calm and the wind gentle, 
or, so disabled was his little vessel, he might have 
been wrecked. 

By dawn the stout-hearted captain was on deck, 
looking in every direction for the " Minion." But 
she was nowhere to be seen. The situation was 
full of peril. If Drake remained in his present 
position near the island, he might well fear that 
the Spaniards would perceive the "Judith," and 
would make short work of capturing her, and of 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 47 

taking himself and his companions prisoners. If, 
on the other hand, he sailed away, he must entirely 
give up all hope of rejoining the ** Minion." Of 
these dangers he soon made up his mind to choose 
the least. Even if he staid where he was, it was 
doubtful whether he would be able to find Hawk- 
ins's ship ; so he decided that his only course was 
to make his way, as best he could, out of the gulf, 
and across the Atlantic. 

So it was that the only two remaining ships of 
the adventurous little squadron which had sailed 
so cheerily out of Plymouth harbor, returned home- 
ward separately, neither knowing, until the familiar 
shores of England were reached, whether or not 
the other had survived the perils of the great deep. 
Their fortunes on the Atlantic were very different. 
Hawkins's homeward voyage was full of suffering 
and perils, which at times drove his men almost to 
despair. The " Minion " was badly damaged by the 
battle ; " she was so sore beaten with shot from our 
enemies," says Hawkins, " and bruised with shoot- 
ing off our own cannon, that our weary and weak 
arms were scarce able to defend and keep our 
water. But all things happened adversely to us ; 
for we found neither people, victual, nor haven of 



48 DRAKE : 

relief." For three days the distressed little ship 
was assailed by a furious tempest, " so that every 
hour we looked for shipwreck." Many of the men 
died from hunger and sickness, and, at last there 
were scarcely enough left to serve the ship on her 
voyage. But Hawkins was finally rejoiced, after 
all his calamities, to see the well-known coast of 
Cornwall. On Jan. 20, 1569, the "Minion" safely 
anchored in Mount's Bay. 

Drake had a far quicker and more prosperous 
homeward voyage. He had already arrived, having 
lost but few men and undergone but few hardships, 
when Hawkins landed on the Cornish coast. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 49^ 




CHAPTER IV. 

DRAKE IN MEXICO. 

RANCIS DRAKE was a man of stern, 
stubborn and resolute character. He had 
a spirit which quailed before no obstacle, 
and which no defeat could subdue. Neither the 
tempests of the great deep, nor the overwhelming 
assaults of an enemy, could dismay him. Disaster 
only spurred him to greater vigor and more sturdy 
effort. He was, truly, of the metal of which heroes 
and rulers of men are made. 

His voyage with Hawkins had been a great mis- 
fortune to him in more than one respect. Not 
only had he undergone the many hardships in- 
cident to so long and dangerous an expedition ; 
not only had he suffered the agony of seeing the 
gallant little squadron overcome and scattered by a 
perfidious foe, and of being forced to fly in presence 
of a superior force ; but he had lost nearly every- 
thing he possessed in the world. He had, indeed, 
made easy the declining years of his aged parents ; 
but the rest of his fortune had been invested 



50 DRAKE : 

in Hawkins's enterprise. All this had now been 
swept away. On his arrival in England, Drake 
found himself a very poor man, apparently with no 
future before him, and with no means of resum- 
ing his maritime career. 

But this outlook did not discourage him. He 
took his loss with stoical calmness, and presented 
a calm and resolute face to the future. His first 
step was to try to recover the value of the prop- 
erty he had lost, from the government of Spmn. 
By this time, however, the long smouldering hos- 
tility between England and Spain was bursting 
into flame. Their rivalry on the high seas had 
become each year more bitter ; and an informal 
warfare was continually going on, in which the 
ships of the two nations preyed upon each other, 
and deemed it no wrong to seize and carry off 
as plunder each other's cargoes. 

Drake's hatred of Spain and the Spaniards, 
aroused by the terrible disaster of St. John d'Ul- 
loa, in which the Spaniards had played so treach- 
erous a part, was yet further inflamed by the 
refusal to restore any portion of the property 
he had lost by their perfidy. He was resolved, in 
one way or another, to assert what he thought to 



THE SEA-KING OF DEIvON. 5 1 

be his rights, and to avenge what he considered 
his grievous wrongs. 

His first step, strangely enough, was to repair 
to a certain clergyman, in whom he had great con- 
fidence, and whose counsel he had more than once 
sought in matters of difficulty. He told the cler- 
gyman the story of his misfortunes, and dwelt on 
the haughty refusal of Spain to grant him any re- 
dress. 

" Now," said Drake, as he finished, " what can 
I lawfully do to assert my rights .'' " 

The pious man was stirred by the hardy sea- 
man's earnest recital ; and, clergyman though he 
was, responded promptly : 

" Without a doubt, you may recover from the 
King of Spain, and repair your losses upon him 
wherever you can." 

This was the same as saying that Drake would 
be justified in going to sea, capturing Spanish 
ships wherever he could find them, and in seizing 
and holding their treasures. 

Drake's adventures had now become well known, 
not only in the sea-faring neighborhood of Plym- 
outh, but throughout England. The treachery of 
the Spaniards in Mexico, and the defeat of Hawk- 



52 DRAKE : 

ins's squadron, created much excitement at the 
court of Queen Elizabeth, and everywhere aroused 
the indignation of the English. When, therefore, 
Drake announced his firm purpose of pursuing the 
enemy, and of avenging the perfidy of Spain, he 
found himself surrounded by a host of earnest 
friends and sympathizers. He went to London, 
where, although he was not received by the Queen, 
he consulted with the leading statesmen and admi- 
rals of the day. It was ere long evident to him 
that, poor as he was, he would have but little diffi- 
culty in following up the schemes which absorbed 
his mind. Offers of assistance were made to him 
on every hand ; and crowds of ambitious and ad- 
venturous youths flocked to him, and begged to be 
taken into his service. There were many, too, 
who, recognizing in Drake a man of indomitable 
spirit and courage, were led to offer their aid in 
the hope of sharing the plunder he seemed certain 
to obtain. 

Thus encouraged, Drake quietly and carefully 
laid his plans. He did not mean to be in a hurry, 
but to take plenty of time to carry out his end. 
He would not risk anything by being in feverish 
haste to complete his vengeance. His first step 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 53 

was to prepare a small expedition, not to assail 
the Spaniards, but to familiarize himself with the 
American waters and coast, and gain such knowl- 
edge and experience as would enable him, when 
ready,- to attack them with effect. With this pur- 
pose in view, he sailed in the year following his 
return from Mexico, with two small ships, the 
'' Dragon " and the '' Swan." The transit across 
the Atlantic was safely and speedily made. Drake 
had now become a most skilful mariner. He well 
understood the science of managing a ship. He 
had carefully observed the pecuhar features of the 
ocean route. He had also that natural tact in 
ruling men, which gave him absolute mastery over 
the crews he commanded. 

Several months were spent in cautiously cruising 
among the islands of the Spanish Main, and skirt- 
ing the coast of South America. Drake kept 
shrewdly out of the way of the large Spanish settle- 
ments ; and if he saw a Spanish fleet, made haste 
to hide his little ships in sheltered inlets, or to 
disappear amid the vastness of the deep. All the 
time, he was taking the most careful note of all 
the features of the regions he traversed ; observ- 
ing the weak places of Spanish defence, and mark- 



54 DRAKE : 

ing on his charts the harbors which opened along 
the coast as a refuge for tempest-tossed squad- 
rons. 

But he did not neglect to seize such advantages 
as chance offered him. When he caught a Spanish 
ship in a position where he could attack her, he 
did so with all his might. In every encounter 
he came off victorious. He did not hesitate to 
board his captives, and to search for such treasures 
as they contained ; and thus his two little vessels 
were ere long laden with valuable spoils. Some- 
times he found gold and silver ; but more often, 
the rare and expensive products of remote regions, 
which he had only to take to England and sell at 
high prices. Happily, he escaped every attempt of 
the Spanish to seize his ships ; and returned 
home safely within a year after he had sailed. 

Exulting in the success of this expedition, and 
now amply supplied with funds for his future 
operations, Drake did not rest after returning to 
his native England. The story of his adventures 
and gains rapidly spread, and he found the number 
and the ardor of his friends ever increasing. Within 
a few months, he had made ready for a second 
voyage of observation ; for in his first he had been 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 55 

forced to leave some regions unexplored, with 
which he desired to be familiar. So he set sail 
again, this time with but a single small vessel, 
the " Swan," the same in which he had before 
sailed. This voyage was as prosperous as the 
first. Drake reconnoitred those parts in the 
American waters which he had before omitted, 
and returned home with more booty taken from 
the luckless Spanish galleons which had come in 
his way. 

And now he felt himself able to set forth with 
more ambitious aims. His fame had spread 
throughout England, and equalled that of the 
dauntless Hawkins himself. He was in high 
favor at the royal court, where his deeds were all 
the more warmly applauded because they were 
directed against the hated Spaniard. He had 
plenty of money, and could choose his crew from 
among the bravest and most skilful seamen in the 
land. He now aimed at nothing less than the 
capture of the possessions of the King of Spain in 
the American waters. While Queen Elizabeth 
could not outwardly countenance this hardy and 
ambitious design, — for she was not at open war 
with King Philip, — Drake knew that he would 



56 DRAKE : 

carry with him the sympathy and good wishes 
of the sovereign and her courtiers. 

Drake did not let the grass grow under his feet. 
He did not waste any time on the pleasures and 
pastimes of the day, nor give himself up to the 
indolent luxuries which his ample funds might 
now command. Within a year after his return 
from his second voyage of observation, he had 
completed his preparations for a more daring 
venture. 

It is an astonishing fact that this bold buc- 
caneer, on setting forth to capture towns and col- 
onies, and very likely to engage formidable fleets, 
confined his operations to two small vessels, 
and to what seems an insignificant force of men. 
Drake always seemed to prefer small vessels to 
large ones ; and now he armed and provisioned 
only two barks, the "Pacha" and the "Swan." 
The " Pacha" was of seventy tons burden, and this 
vessel Drake himself commanded. The " Swan," 
in which Drake had already twice crossed the 
ocean, was even smaller ; it was of only twenty- 
five tons. The command of the " Swan " was 
confided by Drake to his younger brother, John, 
who had grown to be a sturdy mariner like him- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 5/ 

self, and shared many of his own stalwart quali- 
ties. 

These little barks, when, in the early spring of 
1572, they at last set forth, carried only seventy- 
three men and boys, besides the two captains. 
Later, however, Drake picked up additions to 
his force from the vessels he met in the various 
islands ; so that, at one time he had under com- 
mand nearly or quite two hundred men. Both 
vessels carried enough provisions to last for a year. 
A large quantity of ammunition was stored in 
their holds, and each was supplied with several 
srnall cannon. 

It was on a rather raw March morning that the 
little expedition spread sails and glided out of 
Plymouth harbor. Drake only felt easy when he 
saw the coast of England receding, and at last 
forming but a filmy line in the horizon ; for he had 
feared that, though the sympathies of all were with 
him, the timid scruples of the men in power might 
interfere to stop him. He breathed more freely, 
now that he found his barks ploughing the limitless 
Atlantic ; and devoted all his thoughts to the 
thrilling adventures which surely lay before him. 

The voyage across the Atlantic was prosper- 



58 DRAKE : 

ous, and, for those days, rapid. No untoward 
incident checked the progress of the modest little 
squadron. About the middle of July, the Gulf 
of Mexico had been entered and traversed, and the 
Central American coast appeared in view. 

Drake knew well what he was about. On the 
coast, not far from where he was now putting in, 
lay a small, straggling settlement called *' Nombre 
de Dios." Small as this place was, it was an im- 
portant point to Spanish commerce, for it formed 
the depot, or way-station, between the riches of 
Peru and the Indies, and their destination in Eu- 
rope. Here the great galleons, coming in from the 
remote lands which Spanish valor and enterprise 
had subdued, laden with spices, silks, gems, and 
the precious metals, rested on their course to the 
old world ; and in the small warehouses of Nombre 
de Dios were often stored away precious cargoes 
worth many fortunes. 

It was Drake's purpose to capture Nombre de 
Dios, seize upon its treasures, and thus to deal at 
once a severe blow to Spain and enrich himself 
and his comrades. He therefore put in at the 
harbor of Point Pleasant, not far from the object 
of his intended attack. The '* Pacha " and *' Swan " 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 59 

were quietly moored in this harbor, and Drake pre- 
pared for active operations. It happened very 
kickily that, just as he was on the eve of setting 
forth to the assault on Nombre de Dios, he espied, 
one morning, a large sail making for the harbor ; 
and was soon able to descry the royal ensign of 
England at its mast-head. The ship soon drew 
alongside his own vessel, and proved to be an Eng- 
lish trader. 

It did not take long for Drake to persuade her 
master to join him in his design. The master was 
excited by the prospect of large gains, and his 
men, of whom there were about forty, heard of 
Drake's proposition with delight and impatience. 

Towards dusk the following evening, the three 
vessels set forth on their expedition. The sea 
was as smooth as glass. The air was still and hot. 
The darkness which soon screened the buccaneers 
was intense. Under its cover, Drake could reckon 
on approaching near to the point of attack without 
fear of discovery. He made up his mind that he 
would creep along the shore with his vessels, 
get as near as possible to Nombre de Dios, and 
then lie by till morning. With the break of dawn 
he would deliver his assault. But he was forced 



60 DRAKE : 

to abandon this plan on account of the fears and 
impatience of his men. They were full of alarm 
at the idea of attacking, in broad daylight, a place 
which they believed to be stoutly fortified, and to 
contain a much more numerous force than that 
which now invaded it. The rise of the moon, clear 
and brilliant in an unclouded sky, put an end to 
these fears and to Drake's hesitation. The moon's 
light would be ample to guide the attack. Accord- 
ingly Drake, who could discern the settlement 
lying in slumber along the shore, and unconscious 
of the fate which threatened it, ordered his men to 
their oars, and disposed everything for action. 

The assailing force consisted of about one hun- 
dred and fifty men. With these, Drake first cap- 
tured, without a struggle, a small fort on a jutting 
point of land, which served to cover and protect 
the town. Leaving in the fort a sufficient number 
of men to hold it, he effected a landing with the 
rest on one of the quays, before the inhabitants 
had been aroused to their danger. But in another 
moment the alarm had been given, and the 
streets were seen to be in a state of great com- 
motion. Shouts rent the air in every direction ; 
men were seen hurrying in and out of the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 6 1 

houses ; figures in outline under the moonHght 
ghded swift and terrified hither and thither. Pres- 
ently the church bell began to clang forth its dis- 
mal warning; and in the places where the few 
Spanish troops were quartered, drums were fran- 
tically beaten. 

Drake saw that no time was to be lost. Form- 
ing his men into close columns, he gave the order 
that they should follow his lead as cautiously and 
silently as possible ; and himself advanced at their 
head toward the little open square which served 
the town as a market place. Their progress to 
this point was unresisted. The inhabitants seemed 
bewildered. They did not at first understand what 
all the hubbub meant. 

When the assailants found themselves in the 
market place, Drake, standing in their midst, sud- 
denly raised his sword. Then the guns were fired 
off, and the shrill trumpets gave forth a loud and 
prolonged blast. Immediately these were answered 
by the trumpets in the fort. The Spaniards had 
now rallied in a small group, and directed a deadly 
volley from behind the houses upon the party in 
the market square. To this Drake quickly re- 
sponded by ordering his archers, of whom he had 



62 DRAKE : 

a little company, to direct their bows upon the 
enemy. A shower of arrows scattered the Span- 
iards right and left. At this instant, Drake him- 
self was severely wounded in the leg. Instantly 
recovering himself, though tortured with violent 
pain, he concealed his wound from his men, and 
with grim self-control continued giving his orders 
and inciting the combat. 

The market place was now completely in the 
possession of the English, who could not see any 
Spaniards on either hand. Drake, therefore, 
marched out of the square, and along the princi- 
pal street. A stray shot from one of the houses 
killed the trumpeter. The blasts of the trumpet 
had been decided upon as a signal to the English- 
men left in the fort that all went well in the town. 
When, therefore, they no longer heard the signal, 
they were seized with a panic ; and, believing that 
Drake and his followers had come to grief, fled in 
all haste to the ships. The fort was thus com- 
pletely deserted. 

Meanwhile Drake advanced boldly through the 
town. He did not so much as limp, though his 
wound tortured him almost beyond endurance at 
every step. Seeing one of the inhabitants who. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 63 

just roused from sleep and only half awake, was 
creeping, with dazed face, out of his house, Drake 
strode up and seized him by the collar. With a 
stern threat, he ordered the astonished Spaniard 
to show him the way to the governor's house ; 
which the prisoner, in his fright, readily consented 
to do. The governor's house was a larger and 
better building than those which surrounded it. 

On entering, Drake hurriedly passed from room 
to room, until he came to one where a sight, which 
made his eyes glisten, met his gaze. There on the 
floor were piled a great number of solid, heavy 
silver bars. His men exclaimed with delight. 
Here seemed to be treasure enough to make every 
man of them rich. But one of the more sober and 
sedate of Drake's followers, after a pause, said : 

"But how can we take these heavy bars to the 
ships ? " 

"Nay," returned Drake, turning away with a 
sigh of regret, " we must not touch a single bar. 
But come, my men, I will lead you to the royal 
treasury, where there are stored gold and gems. 
They may be carried more easily than these great 
bars of silver. Besides, the treasury is close to 
the shore, and therefore to the ships." 



64 DRAKE : 

This promise reconciled the men to leaving the 
treasure which glistened so temptingly at their 
feet ; and they submissively followed their leader 
out of the house. 

The captive Spaniard was once more brought 
into service ; and Drake, in a rough voice, ordered 
him to conduct them to the king's treasure-house. 
After traversing once more the main street, and 
descending, unmolested, to a tall, gloomy-looking 
building near the quays, the Englishmen eagerly 
rushed forward to the gates. But here an unfore- 
seen obstacle checked their entrance. The gates 
were locked and bolted. Every man uttered a cry 
of rage and dismay. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 6$ 



CHAPTER V. 

DRAKE BEHOLDS THE PACIFIC. 






RAKE had hoped to take the town and to 
capture his plunder by surprise. Unfor- 
tunately, he had not known where to 
strike first ; and now perceived, too late, that his 
first assault should have been directed upon the 
king's treasury, instead of the governor's house. 
The Spanish soldiers were more numerous than 
his own little force ; they were also better armed ; 
and they had now concentrated themselves in the 
treasure-house, resolved to defend it to the last. 

But Drake was equally set upon accomplishing 
his object ; and quickly resolved not to abandon 
the treasure-house without a struggle. 

" My men ! " he cried, as his company stood 
in close array opposite the bolted gate, ** I have 
brought you to the mouth of the treasure-house of 
the world. If ye gain not the treasure, none but 
yourselves are to be blamed," 

" We will gain it ! " replied the men, with angry 
voices. 



^6 DRAKE : 

" Courage, then ! " retorted their commander, 
grasping his sword, and waving it aloft. " For if 
so bright an opportunity setteth, it seldom riseth 
again ! '* 

With this Drake advanced to the gate, and 
boldly examined it. He shook the iron bars again 
and again, but the huge portal did not yield to his 
efforts. His exertions were too much for him. A 
deathly pallor spread over his bronzed features ; 
his head swam, and his body swayed a moment to 
and fro. Then, with a sudden lurch, he fell heavily 
to the ground. 

His faithful soldiers were filled with alarm on 
seeing their captain thus overcome. Several of 
them hastened to him, and on lifting his head, at 
first cried out that he was no more. But it soon 
appeared that he had fainted from pain and loss of 
blood. For the first time they discovered the 
gaping wound in his leg, from which the blood" 
trickled slowly through the rent in his breeches. 
He was frightfully pale, and had evidently lost a 
great deal of blood ; and his men bent anxiously 
over him, fearful lest he should die from exhaus- 
tion. Then one of them tenderly bound up the 
wound, tearing off a portion of his scarf for the 
purpose. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 6/ 

Drake presently revived, and for a moment 
looked about him with a bewildered gaze. Then, 
recollecting where he was, he turned sadly to his 
men, and said that the attack upon the treasure- 
house must be given up. Resting on the shoulders 
of two of his comrades, he slowly and painfully 
limped down to the quay, which was fortunately 
near by. Meanwhile, several of the men had run 
for the small boats, which speedily drew up where 
Drake was waiting. With gloomy faces and mut- 
tered imprecations against the Spaniards, the 
adventurers slowly boarded the boats. Drake was 
laid carefully in one of them, and in this recum- 
bent position gave his orders. ' 

The boats were first directed to the little fort 
which Drake had captured and garrisoned before 
attacking the town. On reaching it several of the 
men entered, expecting to find their companions. 
Much to their amazement and alarm, they found it 
quite deserted. The rooms were solitary, and no 
footstep could be heard in any direction. The 
men now saw that their fellow-soldiers had left the 
fort, and that they had fled for safety to the ships. 

They lost no time in apprising Drake of what 
had happened. He knew that there was no time 



68 DRAKE : 

to be lost ; for the Spaniards, perceiving the fort 
unoccupied, might at any moment put out from 
the quays and assail the boats. Drake accordingly 
ordered that the boats should make with all speed 
for the ships. 

On boarding the " Pacha " and '* Swan," the 
men who had been in the fort were found safe and 
sound. 

Drake's dauntless spirit did not permit him to 
rest after the failure to capture the treasures of 
Nombre de Dios. In spite of his wound, which 
still pained him, he began to concert with his 
officers what step to take next. It was resolved 
that the expedition should not yet come to an end, 
but that another attack should be made, with as 
little delay as possible, upon the rich station of 
Cartagena, further along the coast. But this pro- 
ject was destined to meet with no better success 
than the first. As the two ships were entering 
the mouth of the harbor of Cartagena, they en- 
countered a large English frigate. Drake man- 
aged to communicate with this vessel ; and learned 
with dismay from one of its officers that a Spanish 
pinnace had shortly before gone into port, carrying 
the news of his approach to the inhabitants of the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 69 

town. He had hoped to take the place by sur- 
prise ; but looking in the direction of the town, he 
saw that the fortress which frowned protectingly 
above it was manned, and that the Spanish ships 
were marshalled in hostile array in front of the 
quays. 

Drake could not hope to successfully attack this 
armament, and so gave up his design to attempt 
the capture of Cartagena. He therefore turned 
the prows of his ships seaward again. As they 
were sailing away, they encountered a large Span- 
ish ship coming in. The English at once assailed 
her with such fury that after a short conflict she 
surrendered to Drake at discretion. On the way 
out, two smaller Spanish vessels were in like 
manner captured. 

At a safe distance from shore, Drake cast 
anchor, and considered what course he should 
take next. The big Spanish ship was much 
stronger and more seaworthy than his own little 
vessel, the " Swan " ; while his company was 
smaller than when he had begun operations. So 
he resolved to burn the " Swan," and to make use 
of the Spanish ship. Torches were set to the 
little vessel, and presently the flames shot up in 



70 DRAKE : 

the air, and illumined the scene around with a 
lurid glare. 

A secure haven for the two vessels, the *' Pacha " 
and the Spanish ship, was speedily found at an 
island which lay near that part of the coast, but a 
short distance from the land. Some of Drake's 
men had begun to murmur at their discomfitures 
and privations, and to urge him to return home to 
England. But he soon formed a plan which sub- 
dued their discontent, by once more strongly appeal- 
ing to their adventurous instincts. 

His study of the coast and of the operations of 
the Spaniards, with the knowledge he had picked 
up from English sailors and prisoners, had made 
him familiar with the fact that the treasures from 
Peru were often carried overland across the Isth- 
mus of Darien, from one ocean to the other. Long 
trains of mules, laden with the spoils taken from 
the dethroned Incas and their subjects, were in the 
habit of traversing the hot and difficult route be- 
tween Panama and Nombre de Dios. These trains 
were often guarded by a small party of Spaniards ; 
who, with their fire-arms, had little to fear from the 
native Mexicans, and who did not look in that re- 
mote region for any European foes. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. yi 

To attack these mule trains, to seize the treas- 
ures which they bore across the country, and to 
sail home with the precious cargo, now formed 
Drake's bold design. 

In preparing for this venture, Drake did not 
neglect to acquire one advantage which he knew 
to be essential to his success. This was, to secure 
the alliance and aid of some Indian tribe on the 
mainland. He accordingly sent two picked men 
on shore to reconnoitre, and if possible to enter 
into friendly relations with the natives. These 
scouts were entirely successful in their errand. 
After wandering about a little while, they met 
some Indians belonging to a tribe who lived a short 
distance in the interior, and who were inveterate 
enemies of the Spaniards. At first they were shy, 
not recognizing the scouts as Englishmen, but on 
perceiving this to be the fact, they soon became 
confident and communicative. The two scouts 
were conducted to the chief of the tribe ; and 
found him only too eager to join in any undertak- 
ing directed against his Spanish foes. He treated 
the scouts with cordial hospitality, and sent them 
away with provisions, and with a message that 
seventeen hundred Indians were at Drake's disposal. 



72 DRAKE : 

This was better fortune than Drake had dared 
to hope for. His wound had now nearly healed ; 
and so delighted was he at the news brought by 
the scouts, that he resolved to go on shore himself, 
and see the friendly chief. He found that the tribe 
was that of the Symerons, and that they had suf- 
fered many barbarous cruelties at the hands of 
the Spaniards. Some of the tribe had been made 
slaves by the Spaniards, and had escaped from 
their clutches. Drake was welcomed as a friend, 
and almost as a deliverer. It did not take long for 
him and the chief of the Symerons to perfect a plan 
for advancing into the interior of the Isthmus and 
attacking the mule trains. 

The expedition consisted of about one hundred 
Englishmen and three or four hundred Indians. 
For several days they marched through the coun- 
try without meeting any caravan. At last a train 
appeared in sight. Drake prepared to surprise it 
by lying in ambush ; but something gave warning 
to the conductors of the trains, who all of a sudden 
turned their mules obliquely into the woods, and 
whipping them savagely, got them safely away. 

The adventurers passed on their march, full of 
rage at this disappointment ; but their spirits 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 73 

soon revived again. One morning, the company 
slowly ascended a lofty hill. Its sides were cov- 
ered with the luxuriant foliage of the tropics ; its 
ascents were often steep, and at times almost im- 
possible to scramble up. Nearer the summit, a 
forest of huge trees loomed, and the advance be- 
neath these proved easy and pleasant. The faith- 
ful Indians, familiar with the tortuous paths, led the 
way, and on reaching the top, gave a great shout. 
This was to encourage the Englishmen, who, reek- 
ing with perspiration, were toiling up the spur of 
the hill. 

** On the twelfth day," relates one of Drake's 
companions in this expedition, *' we came to the" 
height of the desired hill (lying east and west, like 
a ridge between the two seas) about ten o'clock ; 
when the chiefest of the Symerons took our captain 
(Drake) by the hand, and prayed him to follow 
him. Here was that goodly and great high tree 
in which they had cut and made divers steps to 
ascend to the top ; where they had made a con- 
venient bower or arbor wherein ten or twelve men 
might easily sit. And from thence we beheld the 
Atlantic Ocean, from whence we came, and the South 
Atlantic so much desired. South and north of this 



74 DRAKE : 

tree they had felled certain trees, that the prospect . 
might be the clearer. After our captain had as- 
cended this bower with the chief Symeron, and 
having (as it pleased God at this time by reason of 
the breeze) a very fair day ; and after he had seen 
that sea of which he had heard such golden reports, 
he besought of Almighty God in his goodness, to 
give him life and heart to sail once in an English 
ship in that sea ; and then, calling up all the rest 
of our men, he acquainted John Oxnam especially 
with this his petition and purpose, if it should 
please God to grant him that happiness." Thus 
Drake's eyes beheld, for the first time, in the dim 
distance, the smooth and sunny waters of the 
Pacific, as Balboa had done many years before. 

This view of the Pacific excited Drake to an 
exalted pitch of enthusiasm and ambition. He 
felt that his mind would know no rest till he had 
explored that vast and mysterious expanse ; until 
the pennons of the Maiden Queen floated above 
those billows, on whose surface .had hitherto only 
been reflected the arms of Spain and Portugal. 
He gazed long and with flushed cheeks over the 
waves glittering in the meridian sun, and lingered 
for several hours in the arbor at the top of the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 75 

giant tree. Then, expressing as best he could his 
gratitude to the friendly chief who had conducted 
him thither, he slowly descended from the tree, 
followed by his men. 

As he trudged along at the head of his adven- 
turous company, with his brother, John Drake, at 
his side, the captain talked excitedly about the 
project of a Pacific expedition, which was already 
forming itself in his active brain. Schemes of 
adventure and conquest, of acquiring wealth un- 
told, of attaining unheard-of glories for England, 
and of humiliating proud Spain in the dust, fired 
his fancy, and gave buoyancy to every step and 
movement. 

In no long time after this thrilling glimpse of 
the Pacific, the Indian chief told Drake that they 
were almost in sight of Panama. Drake's thoughts 
at once reverted to the capture of the mule cara- 
vans ; and his approach to the principal Spanish 
port on the Pacific side of the Isthmus warned him 
that he must now proceed with great prudence. 
Halting, therefore, in a thick grove a mile or two 
from Panama, he asked the chief to send forward 
some of his Indians to reconnoitre, and find out 
what was going forward. Three of the Indians 



'^S DRAKE : 

therefore disguised themselves in the attire of a 
tribe which was known to be friendly to the Span- 
iards, and advanced boldly to the fortifications. 
They were admitted into Panama without difficulty, 
and lost no time in fulfilling their errand. Prowl- 
ing about the streets, and talking with the Indians 
they chanced upon, they discovered something 
which caused them to hasten back to the hidden 
camp with all speed. 

Running into Drake's camp, they told him that 
a fine chance for plunder would offer itself that 
very evening. The treasurer of Lima, the capital 
of Peru, was on the point of setting out for Nom- 
bre de Dios. With him were to go nine mules, 
laden with a precious burden of gold and jewels. 
Drake was rejoiced at this news ; and at once sum- 
moning his men, apprised them of the stroke which 
good luck had in store for them. Then, as he 
began to reflect more coolly upon the event, he 
made a deliberate scheme of attack. He formed 
his force into two companies, and marched with 
them several miles in retreat, on the road to Nom- 
bre de Dios over which they had just come. In a 
short time they reached a plain which, while bor- 
dered and screened by dense woods, was covered 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 7/ 

with very high, waving grass. Here he took his 
stand, sending scouts back to watch for and warn 
him of the approach of the expected mule-train. 
Less than an hour had passed when the scouts 
returned, and told him that the train was in sight 
at some distance away on the road. 

Drake at once ordered his men to lie in rows, 
flat on their stomachs, in the high grass. Pres- 
ently the tinkling of bells apprised him that the 
mules were very near. Raising his head above the 
grass so as to see them, he discovered, to his sur- 
prise, that not only was the treasurer's mule-train 
in plain sight, but that another mule-train, coming 
in the opposite direction, and going towards Pa- 
nama, was also in view. For a moment he was 
sadly perplexed what to do. The second mule- 
train came opposite the ambuscade first ; and 
Drake whispered to his men not to molest it. 
This having passed in safety, the treasurer's mules 
were advancing straight into the trap set for them, 
when an incident occurred which threw Drake's 
design into complete confusion. One of his men 
had spent his time in the grass drinking; and, 
having become grossly intoxicated, jumped up and 
waved his arms just at the critical moment. The 



^8 DRAKE : 

treasurer's train was preceded by a small cavalcade, 
who acted as its guard. The foremost of the 
horsemen perceived the drunken man, and at once 
guessed why he was there. He instantly whirled 
his horse around, and gave the treasurer warning 
of his danger. The mule-train was quickly turned 
the other way, its rear being protected by the 
cavalcade ; and, before Drake could rally his force 
and make an attack, the fugitives were in full 
flight on the road back to Panama. Drake's rage 
and mortification may be imagined. He ordered 
the drunken man to be seized and soundly whipped ; 
and with gloomy face prepared to return in despair 
to Nombre de Dios. 

An unexpected stroke of good fortune, however, 
awaited him. As the company was getting ready 
to resume its march, a tinkling of bells in the dis- 
tance struck upon the captain's ear. Once more 
he ordered the men to lie low in the grass ; and, 
straining his eyes in the direction whence the 
tinkling proceeded, saw with joy that another 
mule-train was approaching from the direction of 
Panama. It had evidently not encountered the 
treasurer's caravan ; for it advanced boldly, as if 
suspecting nothing. When the train had reached 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 79 

the spot where Drake and his comrades were con- 
cealed, the latter suddenly pounced upon it, and in 
ten minutes had captured the entire escort. 

The mules were quickly stripped of their bur- 
dens, and the heavy bags were greedily torn open. 
They proved to contain a considerable treasure of 
gold and gems ; and now the disappointment of 
the English was turned into uproarious rejoicing. 
They danced about the mules, and embraced each 
other, and shouted till their rough voices echoed 
again. The spoils were, indeed, so heavy, that 
Drake and his men could not carry them all away. 
Loading themselves with as much as they could 
take with them, they caused the Indians to dig a 
deep pit ; and in this the remaining treasure was 
buried. A cross was put up to mark the spot, so 
that the men might afterwards return and bring it 
to the ships. 

Drake now ordered an immediate retreat to the 
east coast ; and, burdened with their spoils, the 
company made such haste as they could back to 
the ships. 

No sooner had the coast been reached, than 
Drake despatched a party of men back to obtain 
the buried treasure. On arriving at the pit, they 



8o drake: 

found, to their amazement, that it had been dug 
out, and that the booty had disappeared. An 
Indian, who chanced to see them, told them that 
one of the EngUshmen had loitered behind, in 
order to get some of the treasure and conceal it on 
his own account. He had been captured by the 
Spaniards, and put to the torture ; whereupon he had 
confessed to them where the treasure was hidden. 
The Spaniards then went to the pit, and took it 
away. The party returned crestfallen, and told 
their news to Drake ; who, in a rage, ordered that 
if the treacherous Englishman should again make 
his appearance, he should be executed on the spot. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 8 1 




CHAPTER VI. 

DRAKE IN IRELAND. 

alHILE awaiting the men who had gone to 
recover the buried treasure, Drake had 
not been idle. With his mind bent on 
plunder, — for it must be confessed that this bold 
buccaneer, following the custom and morals of his 
time, was no better than a robber on a large 
scale, — he cast about for some tempting point 
of attack. The Indians told him of a town on the 
coast, Vera Cruz, which, like Nombre de Dios, was 
a way station and depot for the stowing of goods 
and the convenience of travellers. Here he might 
hope to obtain booty, and replenish his nearly ex- 
hausted stores of provisions. 

He accordingly set forth one morning, with the 
force still remaining to him, and advanced upon 
Vera Cruz. He at once attacked the town, which 
proved to be but feebly defended ; and, upon en- 
tering its irregular and scantly built streets, he 
and his men eagerly searched for valuable objects. 
But, to their intense disappointment, they found 



82 DRAKE : 

neither gold, silver nor jewels. Only ordinary- 
bales and boxes of merchandise, too bulky for them 
to hope to carry away, rewarded their efforts. In 
their anger, the Englishmen killed six or seven of 
the merchants, who in vain tried to escape them. 
The only booty they could seize which was any 
use to them, consisted of a good supply of victuals. 
After having ruthlessly and wantonly destroyed a 
large portion of the goods stowed in the town, they 
marched away again. 

Despite all this cruel, relentless robbery, Drake 
sometimes showed that he could be generous and 
large-hearted. The friendly Indians, the Symerons, 
entertained him with profuse generosity on his 
return to the east coast. The chief was delighted 
to find in him so sturdy a foe to the perfidious 
Spaniards ; and was grateful for the fairness with 
which Drake had from first to last treated his 
tribe. This chief had often admired the long and 
beautifully ornamented cutlass which Drake always 
wore in his belt ; and many times expressed, in 
his peculiar way, his longing to possess it. One 
day, Drake entered the chief's tent, and pulling 
out the cutlass, gave it to him, and told him that 
he might keep it. The Indian was beside himself 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 83 

with joy. He leaped up and down, with many grim- 
aces, and, holding the cutlass in his hand, ran from 
one tent to another, displaying it to his Indian 
subjects. Then he fastened it at his waist, and 
strutted up and down as if he were the proudest 
man in the world. His gratitude soon betrayed 
itself in a more substantial way. He ordered his 
Indians to take four heavy wedges of solid gold, 
and deposit them at Drake's feet. The gold would 
have bought the cutlass several hundred times 
over ; and Drake was as pleased with his present 
as the chief had been with the weapon. But he 
showed himself too generous to keep the gold him- 
self, as he might have done. He ordered that its 
value should be added to the common stock, and 
divided among his faithful comrades. 

"I think it but just," said he, "that such as 
have borne the charge of so uncertain a voyage for 
my credit, should have the utmost advantage that 
the voyage produces." 

The return of the men from the pit where the 
treasurfe had been hid, and whence it had been 
taken from the Spaniards, decided Drake to take 
to his ships, and to return homeward. 

He therefore broke up his camp, and marched 



84 DRAKE : 

along the shore until he came opposite the island 
where he had left the ships. To his amazement, 
they were nowhere to be seen. What could have 
become of them ? He had left orders that they 
should remain at the island until his return, and 
that they should on no account move away from it. 
His heart was full of alarm and misgiving, and his 
men shared his gloomy forebodings. 

To add to their distress, some Indians came run- 
ning up, and told them that a party of Spaniards 
had been seen in the interior, advancing to the 
spot where the English now were ; and almost at 
the same moment, seven large Spanish vessels, 
which seemed to be on the watch, showed their 
sails at a distance of several miles out at sea. 
The adventurers were in great peril, and were 
driven to desperate extremities. 

Drake discussed their position as calmly as he 
could with his chief officers. Should they plunge 
into the woods, and trust to the aid of the friendly 
Indians, to defend them from the attack of the 
enemy ? Or should they try to find the ships and 
gain them before the Spanish fleet came up ? 
There was no time to be lost ; they must decide 
quickly. To fly into the interior was, perhaps, to 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 85 

suffer from starvation, and probably, at the best, 
to be overcome by the greatly superior numbers of 
the Spanish ; and, if they fell into the hands of 
their foes, they might expect no mercy whatever. 

At last it was resolved at all hazards to try to 
reach the ships. In order to do this, they must 
trust themselves to the sea, and, in constant peril 
from the Spanish squadron, search up and down 
the vague and limitless waters. But they could 
not trust themselves to the sea in the frail 
canoes of the Indians, which seemed their only 
resource. 

While Drake was pondering upon this obstacle, 
he happened to look towards the river, on the bor- 
ders of which the party were resting. He saw 
some large trees floating down its current, and en- 
tangling themselves in the rushes along the river 
bank. An idea at once flashed upon his mind. 
Turning to his comrades, he said, eagerly : 

"Do you see those big trees, caught in the 
bushes } Heaven surely sent them to us. We 
wili haul them up, and make a raft. Some of us 
will put to sea on it, find the ships, and come back 
for the rest." 

It was no sooner said than three or four men 



S6 DRAKE : 

sprang to their feet, and ran towards the trees. 
They were ere long sufficiently drawn up to be con- 
veniently reached. In less than an hour they had 
been converted into a stout raft. The men cut 
down some smaller trees, and with their hatchets 
carved out two rude oars and a rudder. Then, 
taking a large sack which had contained biscuits, 
they framed it as best they could into the shape of 
a sail. Planting this on a pole in the centre of 
the raft, they returned to Drake, and told him it 
was ready. 

Drake selected three or four of the strongest 
men, and told them that they should go with him 
on the raft in search of the ships. He ordered the 
rest of the company to remain concealed as near as 
possible to the spot on which they now were. He 
would surely return, and that soon. Meanwhile, 
the faithful Indians would help them to resist any 
attack which the Spaniards might make. 

Then, mounting the raft, and pushing it out into 
the centre of the river, he waved an adieu to his 
comrades on shore, and found himself rapidly glid- 
ing towards the sea. The oarsmen plied their oars, 
and the rude sail proved to serve its purpose well ; 
but so hastily had the raft been constructed, that 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. Sy 

sometimes Drake and his companions found them- 
selves up to their waists in the water. As long, 
however, as they could keep afloat, they did not 
lose heart. They first made for the island where 
they had left the ships ; but, on passing around it, 
they could see nowhere any signs of them. Then 
they paddled out into the open again, and were 
about to give up the search in despair, and return 
to their comrades again, when Drake espied an- 
other small island, a mile or two away. On ap- 
proaching this, he dimly saw a sail peeping above 
a small promontory. Was it an English or Span- 
ish sail ? Paddling nearer and nearer, he became 
more and more convinced that it belonged to one 
of his own ships. He resolved to stake all upon 
the conjecture, and boldly bore his raft down upon 
the island. 

There, nestled in a cozy and well-hidden harbor 
were to be seen the ** Pacha " and her sister ves- 
sel. Drake joyfully mounted once more to the 
deck of his gallant little flag-ship, and embraced the 
officers. Then it appeared that the ships, perceiv- 
ing the Spanish squadron, and fearing to be discov- 
ered and captured, had sought refuge in this more 
secure retreat. Without delay they weighed an- 



88 DRAKE : 

chor, and were soon sailing fast towards the sliore 
where the rest of the adventurers were awaiting 
them with feverish impatience. 

There was much rejoicing when the men found 
themselves once more together, and ready now to 
set sail for merry England. Nearly a year had 
elapsed since their departure from Plymouth, and 
they were eager to see their families, and to rejoice 
their hearts with the booty they had taken. The 
booty was stored away in the holds, and the 
friendly Indians were warmly embraced and bid- 
den adieu. Then the ships sailed forth, and 
directed their course as straight as possible across 
the Gulf of Mexico. It was well that they had set 
sail when they did ; " for," as one of the adven- 
turers relates, " they had not been half an hour on 
board when there came to the seaside above three 
hundred Spanish soldiers, who were sent on pur- 
pose to take them ; but God suffered Drake to 
escape their hands, to be a further plague unto the 
Spaniards." 

The homeward voyage was unusually prosperous. 
In twenty-three days after setting forth, the ships 
anchored at the Scilly Islands. This was the 
quickest passage which had yet been made across 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 89 

the Atlantic ; and amply proved Drake's genius as 
a navigator. 

It was on Sunday the 9th of August, 1573, that 
the weather-beaten ships made their entrance into 
Plymouth harbor. The sight of the familiar gray 
cliffs, rising in perpendicular masses above the 
boisterous English Channel, made the hearts of the 
adventurers beat with delight. Flags and pen- 
nons were run up to the mastheads. Trumpets 
were sounded, and the drums beat with rattling 
sound ; and as the ships at last cast anchor, greet- 
ings passed between the voyagers and the crowd 
of friends who had gathered on the quay to wel- 
come them home. 

The news of their arrival soon spread through 
the town. Drake was now a famous man, and his 
expedition had been known and watched through- 
out England. It so happened that his ships 
reached Plymouth while services were going on in 
the churches. The event was whispered through 
the congregations, and "few or no people re- 
mained with the preacher ; all running out to 
observe the blessing of God upon the dangerous 
adventures of the captain, who had spent one year, 
two months and some odd days on this voyage." 



90 DRAKE : 

Drake hastened to embrace the members of his 
family, and to take the rest needful after so much 
exposure and so rough an existence ; while his 
men, in like manner, scattered to their several 
homes. 

But Drake could not remain long in idleness and 
luxury. Ever since the day on which he had 
gazed so intently upon the waters of the Pacific, 
he had cherished the ardent ambition to plough its 
waters with English keels. On his homeward 
voyage, he had continually indulged the glowing 
fancy ; and he had been impatient to find himself 
once more on English shores, that he might set 
about accomplishing the purpose he now had at 
heart. 

After a short sojourn at Plymouth, therefore, the 
indefatigable mariner embarked on a coastwise 
vessel for London. In the capital, whither the 
renown of his deeds had preceded him, and where 
he was sure to meet with a lordly welcome, he 
might hope to receive encouragement in pursuing 
his audacious project. His reception among the 
great men was all that he could desire. He was 
honored and feted, and on every hand he heard 
echoed the praises of his patriotism and daring. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. QI 

But, although the attitude of England towards 
Spain was hostile, open war had not yet broken 
out between the two countries; and just at the 
time of Drake's return, Queen Elizabeth was cher- 
ishing hopes that peace might still be preserved. 
Drake even found that his sovereign did not wholly 
approve of his expedition to Mexico ; that she 
thought it rash and unwise. In short, he soon 
discovered that he was not in favor at the royal 
court ; and, as such was the state of affairs, he 
deemed it best not to announce at present his plan 
of navigating the Pacific. His restless spirit, how- 
ever, would not brook indolence ; and no sooner did 
he find himself obliged to postpone his darling 
project, than he cast about for some other outlet 
for his active and enterprising temper. 

It so happened that a fierce rebellion had not 
long before broken out in Ireland. The chiefs of 
Ulster and Connaught, never tamed to English 
rule, thought they saw a chance, amid the furious 
contentions and rivalries of Elizabeth's court, to 
win independence for their oppressed land. Eng- 
lish troops had been sent to the subject island in 
all haste ; and these were under the command of 
Walter Devereux, Earl of Essex, the father of the 



92 DRAKE \ 

ill-fated young man of the same title who after- 
wards became Elizabeth's favorite. In the war- 
fare of those days, it was customary for any one 
who chose to organize an expedition, and take part 
in the martial conflicts as a volunteer. Drake was 
now a rich man. His share of the plunder taken in 
America not only placed him above want, but left 
at his disposal a large amount, which he could 
devote to any venture on which he chose to 
enter. Full of warlike ardor, and ripe in warlikp 
experience, he eagerly caught at the idea of win- 
ning new laurels and gaining the friendship of the 
court, by aiding in the suppression of the Irish 
rebellion. 

He fitted out three large frigates, supplied them 
with an armament, and sailed for Ireland. Gaining 
access to the Earl of Essex, he offered him his 
frigates, his men, and his own services. They were 
accepted ; and Drake, appointed to the command 
of his expedition, set forth to begin active opera- 
tions. In many a battle and skirmish he proved 
himself not only a valiant, but a skilful and deter- 
mined warrior ; and his military fame waxed 
almost as bright as his naval renown. 

It was while engaged in this war that Drake be- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 93 

came acquainted with a man who was destined to 
do him a signal service. This was an officer of the 
EngHsh army named Thomas Doughty. Im- 
pressed with Drake's strong and sturdy traits, 
Doughty grew to be his devoted friend. Often, in 
bivouac together, Drake told him of his adventures 
and escapes in the barbarous wilds of Central 
America, and confided to him his dream of sail- 
ing in the Pacific. Doughty listened with rapt at- 
tention, and was aroused to enthusiasm by Drake's 
great project. 

The Irish were, after an obstinate resistance, 
completely subdued, and then Drake and Doughty 
returned to England. As soon as they had reached 
-London, Doughty told his companion that he 
would introduce him to a man who could, if he 
choose, smooth away the obstacles to the Pacific 
expedition. This was no less a person than Sir 
Christopher Hatton, at that time Queen Elizabeth's 
most favored courtier and counsellor. Hatton's 
influence was great at the royal court, and was 
supreme with the sovereign. If Hatton could 
be interested in the scheme, it would surely be 
successful. 

During these events, nearly four years had passed 



94 



DRAKE : 



since Drake's return from Central America. He 
was now in the full prime of his manhood, being 
about thirty-eight years of age ; while his fame was 
still bright in the minds of his countrymen. 

Doughty very soon afterwards found an excellent 
chance of presenting the naval hero to the celebrated 
courtier. Sir Christopher Hatton received his 
visitor with a warm welcome, and asked him many 
questions about his voyages. He was pleased with 
Drake's frank, blunt bearing and homely ways ; 
and when the important subject of the Pacific ven- 
ture was proposed to him, Hatton entered into it 
with cordial sympathy. He promised to lay it 
before the Queen herself, and almost promised her 
approval beforehand. 

A day or two after, Drake was summoned into 
the Queen's presence. She was surrounded by 
her court, and the rough sailor was dazzled by its 
splendor. Elizabeth smiled and bowed her head 
at him, and treated him with marked distinction. 
Commanding him to approach, she rose from her 
seat, and taking a magnificent sword from an 
attendant who stood by, she thus addressed him : — 

" Receive this sword, Francis Drake ; and wear 
it till we require it of thee. And we do account, 




Drake Before Queen Elizabeth.— Page 



94- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 95 

Drake, that he who striketh at thee, striketh at 
us." 

By this, she made him understand that she 
took him into her favor, and accepted him in her 
service. He knew at once that Hatton had made 
his influence felt ; and that the only obstacle in 
the way of his own cherished ambition — the 
absence of the royal sanction — no longer ex- 
isted. 

He retired from the brilliant scene with a 
heart swelling high with exultation and hope. 
After that, Sir Christopher Hatton became Drake's 
intimate friend as well as his powerful protector ; 
and as the sunshine of royal favor now shone upon 
him, Drake received also in abundance the rays of 
those lesser lights, the stars in the firmament of 
the court. He had now only to make all haste to 
organize his fleet, and to sail away toward the 
setting sun. 



96 



DRAKE : 



CHAPTER VII. 



BOUND FOR THE PACIFIC. 



v^ 






RAKE began his preparations, not only 

with despatch, but in the utmost secrecy. 

His project was only known to a few of 

the courtiers and to his most familiar adherents. It 
vat- 
was necessary that Spain should not suspect the 

object or the destination of the fleet ; and, besides, 
Drake was anxious that no other navigator should 
get wind of his project, and take advantage of it to 
precede him to the Pacific. He even concealed 
his destination from the crews whom he enlisted; 
nor did they know or suspect whither they were 
bound, until they had been some days at sea. 

The rendezvous of the fleet which Drake busied 
himself with collecting and equipping, was the 
familiar harbor of Plymouth. In no long time, 
five goodly vessels were moored in the placid 
waters of its sound. These were the " Pelican," 
better known as the " Golden Hind," of one hun- 
dred tons burden, commanded by Drake himself ; 
the ''Elizabeth," of eighty tons burden, John 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 97 

Winter, captain ; the " Marigold," thirty tons, 
John Thomas, captain ; the " Swan," fifty tons, 
John Chester, captain ; and the " Christopher," 
fifteen tons, Thomas Moon, captain. A small 
pinnace, the *' Benedict," went in company with 
the flag-ship, the " Golden Hind." Besides these 
vessels themselves, Drake caused to be put on 
board the frame-work of four more pinnaces, to be 
taken out and put together when occasion served. 

The ships were provided with ample provisions 
for a long and doubtful voyage ; and with a good 
supply of cannon, arms, and ammunition. Nor 
did Drake omit to provide for the recreation of 
himself and his men, during the tedious hours of 
their expedition. Many articles of luxury were 
stowed in the cabins and hold ; a number of musi- 
cal instruments were added ; the cabins were ele- 
gantly furnished, and a supply of gold and silver 
plate and ornaments was put on board. All the 
dishes used at Drake's own table were of the 
precious metals, "whereby the civility and mag- 
nificence of his native country amongst all nations 
whithersoever he might come, should be the more 
admired." 

His company consisted of one hundred and 



98 DRAKE : 

sixty-four gentlemen and sailors, a band of musi- 
cians, and a number of skilful cooks. It seemed 
as though he were setting out on a voyage of 
pleasure, rather than on a warlike expedition. 

Everything being at last ready, Drake repaired 
to Plymouth to join his fleet. With him went his 
friend Doughty, whom Drake had appointed his 
second in command. He found the captains and 
crews assembled in their several vessels, only 
awaiting his signal to spread sails and depart. 

It was at five o'clock in the afternoon of Novem- 
ber 15, 1577, that the gallant fleet set forth on its 
long and perilous venture. Although its destina- 
tion was not certainly known, the people suspected 
that it was aimed against the arrogant and hated 
Spaniards ; and the great multitude which thronged 
the quays to see it set forth, rent the air with their 
shouts of " God-speed." 

Drake's object was to make, with as little delay 
as possible, for the Straits of Magellan, thus to 
double South America, and pass northward along 
the Pacific coast of the two western continents. 
This resolve was all the more audacious, as the 
Spaniards had long since ceased to sail their ships 
through the Straits, on account of its many 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 99 

dangers. It was even said that the passage was 
closed up. Besides, there was much superstition 
about the dreadful perils of the Pacific. Sailors 
were in the habit of declaring that it would be 
surely fatal to every discoverer who ventured upon 
it. Magellan had himself been killed by savages 
in its islands. Balboa, whose eyes had first gazed 
on the Pacific, had met a violent death ; and De 
Solis had been murdered by the barbarians of the 
Rio de la Plata, while on his way to the dreaded 
Straits. But these events and superstitions did 
not in the least daunt Drake's sturdy spirit. He 
knew that the only way to reach the Pacific by 
water, yet discovered, was by the Straits of 
Magellan ; and through them he determined to 
go, or perish in the attempt. 

A bad omen occurred at the very outset of the 
voyage, which, had Drake been superstitious, 
might have led him to despair. Scarcely had the 
fleet reached the open sea, when a terrific gale 
assailed it. Such was the fury of the wind that 
the mainmast of the "Golden Hind" had to be 
cut away, while the " Marigold " was driven ashore 
and badly damaged. Drake was forced to put in 
at Falmouth till the tempest abated. Then, set- 



100 DRAKE : 

ting sail once more, he directed the course of the 
fleet southward to the coast of Barbary. This 
was to hoodwink the Spaniards, and to make them 
think that his expedition was simply for the pur- 
pose of capturing cargoes of slaves. By Christmas 
the ships had sighted the island Mogadore, off the 
African coast. 

This island lay about a mile from the shore. It 
had broad, sandy beaches, which glistened in the 
bright winter sun. Lofty hills rose in the interior 
of the island ; and between it and the mainland, 
was a safe and convenient harbor. Here, there- 
fore, Drake cast anchor. It was necessary to take 
in water, and to make some repairs in his ships. 

It was with great satisfaction that the adven- 
turers found themselves upon dry land. They 
wandered over the island, camped on the shore, 
and leisurely made their repairs. Some of the 
men found, at the southern extremity of the 
island, three great hollow rocks, in the deep 
basins of which they discovered some very hideous- 
looking fish, which, however, they found very 
eatable. They also killed many sea-fowl. 

One day, as several sailors were standing on 
the summit of a hill, and were looking towards the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. IQI 

mainland, they espied a number of natives, with 
large white turbans, standing on the shore and 
making signals to them. They were waving a flag 
of truce, and uttering loud cries. The men hast- 
ened to Drake and told him what they had seen. 
Drake was well acquainted, from his previous ex- 
perience in the slave trade, with the traits of the in- 
habitants on this part of the coast. He interpreted 
the signals which his men had seen, as indicating 
a desire on the part of the natives to communicate 
with him. He accordingly dispatched a boat, with 
an officer and three men, to the mainland. They 
found that the Moors wished to be taken on board 
the flag-ship. Leaving one of the crew behind as 
a hostage, they invited two of the Moors to enter 
the boat, and quickly transported them to the 
"Golden Hind." Drake received his swarthy 
guests with all honor and distinction. Chairs 
were placed for them on the deck, and they were 
regaled with a dainty repast ; and in order still 
more to win their good-will, Drake caused some 
linen, shoes, and javelins to be brought, and pre- 
sented them to the Moors. He then conversed 
with them as well as he could by signs and 
motions ; and soon learned that they were 



102 DRAKE : 

anxious to trade with him. Suspecting noth- 
ing, he wilhngly entered into their wish, and 
sent them ashore with many friendly demonstra- 
tions. The English hostage was faithfully set at 
liberty, and returned in the boat to the ship. 

The next morning at the appointed hour, Drake 
saw the Moors stationed once more on the beach. 
They had brought with them a train of camels, 
which appeared to be loaded down with a great 
variety of wares. A boat promptly put out for the 
shore, and ran into an inlet between the rocks. 
One of the men, named John Fry, jumped briskly 
on the beach, and advanced toward the Moors. 
He had not gone many yards when the Moors 
rushed up, seized him, and hurried him away with 
them. At the same time a multitude of natives, 
who had been hidden in the bushes, showed them- 
selves with threatening gestures, and seemed about 
to attack the rest of the men in the boat. Mean- 
while, poor Fry was bound fast to a horse ; and 
the last his comrades saw of him, he was galloping 
away between his captors. The crew perceived at 
once that the Moors were too many for them, and 
consulted their safety by making all haste back to 
the ships. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. IO3 

Drake was very angry at the apparent perfidy 
of the natives, and landed a large force of men to 
attack them, and, if possible, to rescue Fry. But 
he did not succeed in finding their retreat. It 
turned out afterwards that the conduct of the 
Moors was not, after all, as black as it seemed to 
be. They had resorted to stratagem to capture 
.Fry. But their object was, not to treat him with 
cruelty, but to find out whether or not Drake's 
fleet belonged to their bitter enemies, the Portu- 
guese. When they found out that it was English, 
they not only treated Fry gently and hospitably, 
but set him free. Finding that Drake's fleet 
had sailed before he was set at liberty. Fry re- 
turned to England in the first ship that came to 
that coast. 

Drake, having given up all hope of recovering 
the captive, put in wood and water, and having 
remained a week at Mogadore, once more set sail. 
A fortnight's voyage brought him to Cape Blanco, 
where he halted for five days, so that his men 
might amuse themselves with fishing. He availed 
himself of this delay to also exercise them in 
drilling, that they might be prepared for the 
fierce encounters which he foresaw the future had 



104 DRAKE : 

in store for them. The fleet succeeded in captur- 
ing three Spanish fishing-boats, and two or three 
smaller Spanish vessels. The natives at Cape 
Blanco were docile and friendly. There was a 
great scarcity of water in that region, and the 
natives came to the ships to beg for some, bringing 
ambergris and gum to exchange for it. Drake 
generously filled their leather bags from his not 
too ample store, and sent them away capering 
with delight. 

The next stopping-place of the fleet was the 
island of Mayo, upon which dwelt a thriving 
Portuguese colony of shepherds and farmers. 
Here Drake hoped to procure a supply of dried 
goats' flesh and other provisions. But on anchor- 
ing in one of the harbors of the island, he found, 
to his chagrin, that the Portuguese would not 
trade with him. They shared with the Spaniards 
their jealousy and dread of the English, whom 
they recognized as their most formidable rivals on 
the sea. Drake was resolved not to brook such 
a lack of hospitality. The next day he sent a force 
of sixty men on shore, commanded by Captain 
Winter. This party marched straight to the 
principal settlement, composed of a cluster of low 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. IO5 

huts, built in irregular groups in a valley. Every 
hut was deserted. On repairing to the springs for 
water, Winter and his companions found that the 
Portuguese had maliciously sprinkled salt in every 
one of them, so that the water could not be 
drunk. The party advanced some distance into 
the interior of the island, but could nowhere find 
any traces of the fugitives. They were amazed, 
however, to see on every hand the evidences of 
the extraordinary fertility and fruitfulness of the 
place. They beheld the greatest quantity of 
delicious grapes, and passed through lovely groves 
and valleys, where cocoanuts hung from the 
branches in the richest profusion. On the slopes 
they espied goats and wild hens, and in the lofty 
trees birds with magnificent plumage. 

They were, however, forced to forego their 
attempt to punish the Portuguese, and to re- 
turn crestfallen to the fleet. Not long after 
setting sail from Mayo, Drake fell in with 
a large Portuguese galleon, bound for Brazil, 
laden with wines, cloth, and other valuable 
wares, and containing a large number of pas- 
sengers. He straightway attacked and cap- 
tured her, and made prisoners of her inmates. 



I06 DRAKE : 

He gave the command of this prize to his old 
friend, Doughty ; but ere very long he found, to 
his great grief, that this friend, who had done him 
such signal service, was not to be trusted. Doughty 
secretly took bribes from the Portuguese prisoners, 
which they offered him as a reward for treating 
them mildly, and kept the money himself ; where- 
upon Drake deprived him of the command, which 
he conferred on his brother, Thomas Drake. 
Doughty was destined afterwards, on more than 
one occasion, to call down upon him the displeasure 
of his commander. 

As soon as he could make a convenient port, 
Drake set the Portuguese prisoners at liberty, 
giving them their clothes, some wine, and some 
provisions. He also left them one of the pinnaces 
which he had brought with him in sections. But 
he kept with him the Portuguese pilot, who would 
be useful in guiding the expedition on the Brazilian 
coast ; and retained the galleon as one of his fleet. 

The voyagers soon came to an island which, 
from its volcanoes, was called the " Burning Island." 
"In this island," says one of the adventurers, 
"rises a steep, upright hill, eighteen miles from 
the shore ; within whose bowels is a consuming 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 10/ 

fire, maintained by a sulphurous matter, seeming 
to be of marvellous depth, and also very wide. 
The fire showeth itself but four times an hour, at 
which times it breaketh out with such violence and 
force, and in such vast abundance, that, besides 
giving light like the moon a great way off, it 
seems as if it would not stop till it touched the 
heavens themselves. Herein are engendered a 
great store of pumice-stones which, being in the 
vehement heat of the fire hurled out of the mouth 
of that fiery body, fall down, with other gross and 
slimy matter, upon the hill." 

Another island, near by, Drake found to be " a 
most sweet and pleasant island, the trees whereof 
are always green and fair to look upon ; so that 
they call it the * Brave Island.' The soil is almost 
full of trees ; so that it is a store-house of many 
fruits and commodities, such as figs always ripe, 
cocoas, plantains, oranges, lemons, citrons, and 
cotton. From the brooks into the sea do run, in 
many places, silver streams of sweet and whole- 
some water." 

It was with delight that the voyagers lingered 
amid such luxuriant and smiling scenes, and 
rested from the turmoils of the deep. But their 



I08 DRAKE : 

sojourn on the islands was always brief ; for 
months had passed since their departure, and but 
a small part of their long voyage had been accom- 
plished. From the Brave Island they once more 
pushed out into the boundless ocean, where, for a 
while, they enjoyed gentle breezes, caught dol- 
phins and flying-fish, and listened, on bright, calm 
days, to the music of the band which Drake had 
brought with him. Then once more terrific tem- 
pests assailed them, and their destruction seemed 
inevitable. In one of these tempests, Drake was 
grieved to find that his Portuguese prize had 
separated from the rest of the fleet, and was no- 
where to be seen. He was relieved, a day or two 
after, to find her safely anchored off an island, the 
cape of which he gratefully named Cape Joy. 

The fleet had set out from Plymouth in Novem- 
ber. It was not until early in April that Drake 
sighted the long, low coast of Brazil. For sixty- 
three days the fleet had been out of sight of land ; 
and the welcome view of the coast, with its trees 
and the sloping hills beyond, inspired the weather- 
worn seafarers with fresh spirits and renewed 
hope. 

Scarcely had they drawn towards the coast, 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. IO9 

when, to their surprise, they saw it lit up with 
many bonfires. Presently they had come near 
enough to perceive numbers of men and women 
running up and down the shore, and feeding the 
flames with bundles of wood and brush. At first, 
the sailors took these fires to be intended as a 
welcome from the Brazilians to the new-comers. 
But Drake, who knew well the habits of these peo- 
ple, soon undeceived his comrades. 

"These bonfires," he said, "are not meant for 
our welcome, but for our destruction. It is a sac- 
rifice which these Brazilians make to the devil. 
They believe that if they pile up huge heaps of 
sand and build fires thereon, and go through cer- 
tain incantations, the devil and his imps will ship- 
wreck and thus destroy us. But still, I believe 
that we have naught to fear. They think we are 
Portuguese, and hence would ruin us. When they 
discover that we are English, and mean them no 
injury, perhaps they will treat us in friendly 
fashion." 

For some distance along the coast, Drake could 
find no secure haven for his ships. The weather 
became stormy, and more than once the stress of 
wind and wave was such that the ships became 



no drake: 

separated from each other. But as they all held 
the same southward course, they always came to- 
gether again. At last the " Golden Hind " and 
her sister ships reached the mouth of the River de la 
Plata, where Drake came to anchor in a pretty bay 
under a protecting cape. 

" Among other cares which our general took," 
says one of the voyagers, " was to keep our whole 
fleet (as near as we possibly could) together; to 
get fresh water, which is of continual use ; and to 
refresh our men, wearied with long toils at sea, as 
oft as he should have opportunity." The River 
de la Plata was the first principal station of the 
voyage after crossing the Atlantic. It was a most 
pleasant and convenient place to tarry, while 
Drake prepared for a more perilous task than he 
had yet undertaken — the passage of the Straits of 
Magellan. The climate was temperate, the air 
pure and sweet, the landscape beautiful, and the 
country roundabout fruitful. A still more shel- 
tered harbor was soon found, some thirty miles up 
the wide mouth of the stream ; and here the fleet 
was finally anchored, while its occupants enjoyed 
their much needed rest. The men found much 
sport in killing seals, the meat of which they ate 



THE SEA-KlNG OF DEVON. Ill 

with keen relish ; and also shot many deer in the 
forests a short distance inland. They explored 
the river above their haven ; but wherever they 
went, the natives, probably taking them for Portu- 
guese or Spaniards, retreated in fright before 
them. 

Not long after the fleet had resumed its voyage, 
the " Swan " became separated from it by a storm ; 
and now Drake resolved that, as soon as he could 
again make a good harbor, he would reduce the 
number of his vessels. The fleet was too large to 
keep together ; and there was room enough for all 
the men and provisions in his larger ships. So he 
searched diligently for another place of anchorage. 
In a few days, a lofty headland was reached, be- 
hind which appeared a quiet bay. But as many 
jagged rocks reared their heads above the water off 
the headland, Drake did not think it safe to at- 
tempt to enter the bay, without first carefully 
exploring for a sufficiently wide channel. *'Our 
general," says the narrator before quoted, " especi- 
ally in matters of moment, was never wont to rely 
alone on other men's care, however trusty or skil- 
ful they might be ; but, always despising danger, 
and refusing no toil, he was wont himself to take part 



1 1 2 DRAKE : 

at every turn where courage, skill, or industry was 
to be employed, Nor would he at this time en- 
trust the discovery of these dangers to others ; 
but rather to his own experience in searching out 
and sounding of them. A boat being therefore 
hoisted forth, he, with some others, rowed into the 
bay ; and being now very near the shore, one of 
the natives of the country showed himself unto 
him, seeming very pleasant, singing, and dancing 
to the noise of a rattle which he shook in his 
hand." 

Before Drake could effect a landing, a dense fog 
spread itself over the bay and coast. The men on 
the ships became alarmed for his safety, and sent 
forward the ** Marigold," in spite of the danger of 
the reefs, to search for him. But the fog lifted in 
a few hours, and then Drake, landing on the beach, 
lit some huge fires as signals to the ships to enter 
the harbor. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. II3 




CHAPTER VIII. 

doughty's treason and execution. 

LL the ships, except the "Swan" and 
the Portuguese prize (which was named 
" Mary "), found their way safely through 
the channel by which Drake had entered with 
his boat. The crews went on shore and en- 
camped ; while Drake, taking two vessels, went 
forth again in search of the missing ships. Hap- 
pily, he succeeded in finding the "Swan," which 
he brought into the harbor ; and this vessel, after 
transferring her cargo to the others, he caused to 
be broken up for firewood. 

The adventurers found many interesting and 
curious things in the region near the bay. They 
came upon strange-looking, low houses near the 
shore, upon entering which they saw a great num- 
ber of ostriches, which were evidently being dried 
for food. They also discovered a number of rude im- 
plements, used by the natives in capturing and 
curing the ostriches. The Englishmen afterwards 
learned that, in order to catch these huge birds, 



1 14 DRAKE : 

the natives were in the habit of fixing a bunch of 
feathers to a long staff, so fashioned as to resemble 
an ostrich's head at the top, and a broad tail below. 
Holding this dummy ostrich before them, they 
would stalk off, and drive a flock of ostriches upon 
a narrow neck of land, where they ensnared them 
with nets. They also employed dogs in hunting 
the ostriches down. 

Drake and his comrades had not been long in 
this place before scraping an acquaintance with the 
natives. At first, the latter were shy and fearful ; 
but by degrees they became reassured, and grad- 
ually came nearer and nearer the camp. Drake 
could not but admire their fine, tall, symmetrical 
forms, and their sprightly ways. Their only article 
of dress was a large skin, which they wore about 
their loins. Their method of adorning themselves 
was to paint their entire bodies in various glaring 
colors. When they had gained confidence, and 
had become used to the sight of the Englishmen, 
they would come in parties of a dozen or more, and 
would dance and caper about the camp. Drake 
pleased them exceedingly by giving them some 
knives, bells, trumpets, and similar playthings ; 
whereupon they leaped about more frantically 
than ever. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. II5 

It was with regret that the voyagers left this 
pleasant haven and these friendly natives. But 
time pressed ; and as Drake approached the pas- 
sage which, if he succeeded in traversing it, would 
carry him from the Atlantic to the Pacific, he be- 
came more and more impatient of delay. Be- 
fore attaining these perilous Straits of Magellan, 
the voyagers were destined to meet with many 
interesting and dangerous adventures. It was 
necessary, on account of the storms, the lack of 
provisions, the need of repairs, and the occasional 
separation of the ships, to make frequent halts ; 
and wherever the ships cast anchor, there was 
always something novel to see. Fortunately the 
"Mary," which had long been lost sight of, was 
found after a troublesome search ; and, on the 20th 
of June, the entire fleet, being together once more, 
put in at Port St. Julian. 

They had not been long here before they saw 
some of that race of giants whom Magellan had 
called Patagonians. They were, indeed, men of 
huge stature and of proportionate prowess. Un- 
like many of the South Americans before encoun- 
tered, they did not show the least timidity at the 
approach of strangers. They speedily mingled 



1 16 ' DRAKE : 

with the English on the easiest terms of famil- 
iarity ; took the presents which Drake offered them 
with great eagerness and delight; and even joined 
in the sports of the crews. 

One day, several of these giants were watching 
an English gunner, named Oliver, who was prac- 
tising with his bow and arrows on the shore. 
After gazing for some time with open mouths, and 
admiring the precision with which Oliver's arrows 
sped to the centre of his target, they made signs 
that they should like to try their own skill in 
shooting. Oliver willingly gave them his bow ; 
but being wholly unused to it, their awkward at- 
tempts greatly amused the group of English who 
had gathered in a circle to see the sport. Then 
one of the Englishmen, named Robert Winter, 
took the bow, and aimed at the target. Just as he 
let his arrow fly, the string of the bow broke 
with a loud snap. One of the Patagonians, a 
morose, ill-natured fellow, who had been urging 
his comrades to come away from the strangers, 
and who seemed bent on quarrelling, took advan- 
tage of the accident to raise a dismal howl. He 
thought that, as the bow-string was broken. Win- 
ter and his friends were powerless to defend them- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 11/ 

selves. The other giants caught his hostile dis- 
position ; and retreating a short distance, let fly a 
shower of arrows at the disarmed archer. They 
little imagined that the strange-looking implements 
which they saw in the hands of the English were 
deadly weapons ; but they were soon to be unde- 
ceived. One of their arrows pierced Winter's 
lung ; still, he stood his ground like a man. Then 
Oliver levelled his gun and pulled the trigger ; but 
it missed fire, and at the same moment Oliver fell 
dead, pierced to the heart by one of the Patagon- 
ian arrows. 

Drake saw that he must act boldly and promptly, 
or that his entire party would be massacred. 
Rushing forward in front of his men, he ordered 
them to cover themselves with their targets, and 
to advance upon the natives. The latter were 
fast increasing in numbers, and growing more 
ferocious. Seizing a gun which one of the men at 
his side was holding, Drake levelled it with firm 
hand at the quarrelsome savage who had insti- 
gated the attack. The huge fellow received the 
shot in his stomach, and reeling, fell with a heavy 
thud on the ground. The Patagonians were terror- 
stricken at this ; and having now no leader to rally 



1 18 DRAKE : 

them, turned and precipitately fled to the woods. 
But no time was to be lost ; for Drake knew that 
as soon as they had recovered their senses, they 
would rally in far greater numbers, and that their 
wrath would know no bounds. So he and his party 
made, with all haste, for the ships, carrying with 
them the wounded Winter. The body of poor 
Oliver, who had been killed by the arrows of the 
savages, was left on the shore. Winter had scarcely 
reached his ship, when he died of his wound. The 
voyagers were safe enough on board the fleet, 
for the Patagonians could not hope to assail the 
ships in their rude canoes. If they did, the cannon 
would make short work of them. So Drake was 
in no hurry to leave Port St. Julian, his repairs 
not being yet completed. 

A few days after the fight with the Patagonians, 
Drake made a discovery which filled him both with 
grief and indignation. Thomas Doughty, whose 
acquaintance he had made years before in Ireland, 
who had been the means of procuring him the 
powerful aid of Sir Christopher Hatton and the 
favor of the Queen, and whom he had brought on 
this expedition as his second in command, proved 
to be not only an ambitious man, but a false friend. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 19 

He had already, during the voyage, showed an 
unruly disposition, and had been deprived of the 
command of the " Mary " on account of his dis- 
honest actions. Drake, however, had still clung 
to his faith in his old friend, who had once served 
him so well, and who seemed to him incapable of 
deliberate perfidy. 

But at Port St. Julian, Drake was told, one 
morning, by an officer of the fleet who was warmly 
devoted to him, that Doughty was plotting a 
mutiny. He declared that Doughty's aim was to 
depose Drake from the command of the fleet, 
and to usurp it himself ; and that he had for some 
time been trying to corrupt the officers and men. 
Drake was amazed beyond expression at this in- 
telligence. He could scarcely believe his ears. 
Was it possible that Doughty could find it in his 
heart to be so treacherous ? 

But he could not let such an accusation pass 
without inquiring into its truth or falsehood. He 
began at once to make cautious inquiries ; and 
what was his surprise to learn, from another of his 
officers, that Doughty's ill-will towards him had 
betrayed itself even before they left the shores of 
England I He was told that, one day, when 



120 drake: 

Doughty was walking with some of the officers in 
Drake's garden at Plymouth, Doughty had spoken 
very insolently of Drake, and had tried to excite 
the minds of the officers against him. 

"I can scarce believe," exclaimed Drake, resting 
his head on his hand, "that one I have so dearly 
loved would conceive evil against me. But I see," 
he added, " that leniency will do no good, and that 
it is high time to call Doughty's conduct in question. 
Let a strict watch be set over him. He shall be 
arraigned before me and my officers without 
delay." 

The next day, the officers of the fleet were 
assembled on the deck of the "Golden Hind." 
Every face wore a sad and downcast look. The 
company were silent, and awaited in gloomy 
suspense the opening of the examination by their 
commander. Drake sat in the centre of the deck, 
with pale but grim and resolute features. Of all 
the tasks and troubles of his voyage, this was the 
most painful; but he nerved himself to it with 
stern self-control. Not far from him stood the 
accused Doughty, with bowed head and trembling 
form, guarded on either side by two sailors. 

Drake addressed the officers in a clear voice. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 121 

Looking around, and then pointing at Doughty, he 
said : — 

"This man, officers, hath many good quahties, 
as I have full reason to know. He hath done me 
many precious services. He was a true friend to 
me, when I greatly needed such a one. I have 
had the greatest good-will and inward affection 
towards him ; a more than brotherly love. But he 
is here accused of various crimes and treacheries 
against me and against the fleet. It is for you, 
officers, to judge whether or not he is guilty." 

Drake then recounted the charges which had 
been brought against Doughty, and the proofs 
which he had gathered. The charges were of 
misconduct, "not only at sea, but even at Plym- 
outh ; not bare words, but writings ; not only 
writings, but actions, tending to the overthrow 
not only of the expedition, but the destruction of 
its commander also." 

Having thus set before the assembly the charges 
and the proofs, Drake enjoined them to consider 
well their reply. Was Doughty guilty or innocent ? 
It was for them to decide and honestly declare. A 
profound silence followed the commander's closing 
words. Then the officers began to whisper earn- 



122 DRAKE : 

estly among themselves. Meanwhile Doughty 
stood with bent head, and a face as pale as death. 
Drake sat in stern serenity in the midst of the 
group. 

Soon one of the captains, by right of his rank, 
raised his voice, and declared that he believed 
Doughty to be guilty. Drake called upon the 
others in turn to give each his judgment. When 
he had gone through the officers, he found that 
only one or two acquitted the man, and that forty 
condemned him. 

Turning to Doughty, he said in solemn tones, — 

" Doughty, you see what the company declares. 
You are judged guilty of treason towards me and 
the fleet. What have you to say in your own 
defence ? " 

Stricken with sudden and overwhelming re- 
morse, the unhappy man prostrated himself at 
Drake's feet. For a moment, he was so overcome 
by his emotions that he could not speak ; then, 
with a broken voice, he replied : — 

**I do humbly and remorsefully confess the 
crimes of which I have been found guilty ; and I 
implore your clemency." 

" Doughty," said Drake, " I have but one course, 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 23 

and that is, to punish you for your great treason. 
But I cannot forget your former services and 
friendship ; so I will give you a choice of three 
fates. Will you be executed here on this island 
near by ? or will you be put ashore and left on the 
mainland ? or will you return to England a prisoner, 
there to duly answer your deeds before the lords 
of the queen's council ^ " 

Doughty remained silent, as if in deep thought. 
Then, in a hesitating voice, he said, — 

" May I have until to-morrow to decide ^ " 

The request was granted. The assembly of 
officers broke up, and Doughty was taken below 
in irons. The next day he was again brought 
before the commander. 

" Well, Doughty," said Drake, " which fate have 
you chosen } " 

"With all my heart," returned the condemned 
man, " I do choose rather to be executed on this 
island, than to be left among savages, or to face 
the lords in England. But I pray you, give me but 
a little time, that I may once more receive the holy 
communion with you yourself before I die ; that I 
may not die other than the death of a gentle- 
man." 



124 drake: 

This last wish was readily granted. The next 
morning the communion was administered by Fran- 
cis Fletcher, the chaplain of the fleet, to Drake and 
Doughty together in the captain's cabin : and after 
the sacred rite had been completed, the cabin was 
set with a bounteous dinner. The captain and the 
culprit sat down at the board, opposite each other, 
quite as they used to do in the happier days of their 
friendship. For a little while they tried to forget 
the tragic event which was about to ensue ; "each 
cheering up the other, and taking their leave by 
drinking to each other, as if some journey only had 
been in hand." 

The execution of the unhappy Doughty quickly 
followed on his last feast. A block was set up 
on the island near which the "Golden Hind" 
was moored ; Doughty was brought forth with 
his hands tied ; and after kneeling to make a 
brief last prayer, with quiet courage placed his 
head upon the block. One of the men, who had 
been chosen as the executioner, swung high the 
axe, and at a single blow Doughty's head was 
severed from his body. Doughty's remains were 
buried on the island. Two large stones were put 
at the head and foot of the grave, upon one of 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 12} 

which an inscription was rudely graven in Latin, 
with Drake's name, and the date of his being at 
Port St. Julian. 

This melancholy event over, Drake became anx- 
ious to get away from the scene where it had been 
enacted. Following out his purpose to reduce the 
size of his fleet, he caused the *'Mary," the Portu- 
guese prize, to be emptied of her cargo and then 
broken up. Three ships were all that now re- 
mained of the fleet, besides the small frame-work 
pinnaces. Into these the cargo of the " Mary " was 
stored, while they took in an ample supply of wood 
and water. On the 17th of August, having re- 
mained two months at Port St. Julian, the fleet 
once more set forth on its southwestward course. 

Three days later Drake at last sighted the Cape 
of the Virgins, which lies at the entrance of the 
Straits of Magellan. The cape loomed majestic- 
ally at a distance of twelve miles over the sea. 
Its high and precipitous gray cliffs, against which 
the waves beat furiously, looked grimly forbidding ; 
but Drake exulted in the thought that now finally 
he was about to brave the perilous passage from 
which the Spaniards shrank in superstitious terror. 

No sooner had Drake arrived off the cape, than 



126 drake: 

he ordered his three ships to strike their topsails in 
honor of Queen EHzabeth. Cheers echoed from 
deck to deck ; then all the voyagers knelt, while 
the chaplains offered up to Heaven their fervid 
prayers of thanksgiving. 

Early on the following morning, August 20th, 
the commander gave the signal to enter the famous 
Straits. They looked forbidding enough. As the 
sailors peered ahead, the winding passage seemed 
too narrow for their ships ; while the wind blew so 
furiously, that it seemed inevitable that they would 
be hurled upon the rocks on either hand. But the 
ships, being well-handled, passed this small channel 
without accidents ; and then they emerged into 
what appeared to be a bay-like river, five or six 
miles broad. As, during the night, they sailed 
across this open body of water, all at once a lurid 
glare shot up just ahead of them. For a moment 
the adventurers trembled with a vague alarm ; but 
soon they were able to perceive that the strange 
light came from a volcanic island, like the ** Burn- 
ing Island " they had seen on the way thither. 

Continuing to advance, the next day the voy- 
agers were greatly struck with the scenery which 
met their view on either side of the Straits. Beauti- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 12/ 

ful islands rose from the water in the wider reaches : 
and landing upon some of these, they were greatly 
refreshed by the fresh springs which they found 
in abundance. On both sides the shores rose to 
precipitous and almost mountainous heights ; the 
hills behind formed still loftier ranges, so high, 
"that between them did appear three regions of 
clouds. " The remoter ranges glistened with spark- 
ling cones of perpetual snow. The Englishmen 
found the Straits to be very cold. Each morning 
there was a heavy frost, and sometimes violent 
snow gusts swept across the ships. " The trees," 
says Fletcher, the chaplain, ''seemed to stoop with 
the burden of the weather ; and yet were green 
continually, and many good and sweet herbs very 
plentifully grew and increased beneath them." 

After they had been in the Straits four days, the 
ships came to anchor at a large and fair island, 
which not only offered a secure harbor, but prom- 
ised to provide the adventurers with everything 
they most needed. Landing upon it, the men 
speedily encountered a great number of wild fowl, 
which proved, on trial, to be very palatable eating. 
*' These fowl," says one of the voyagers, " could not 
fly, having but stub wings, without feathers, cov- 



128 drake: 

ered over with a certain down, as was also all their 
body besides ; in their heads, eyes and feet, they 
were like a duck, but almost as a goose. They bred 
and lodged on land, and in the day time went down 
to the sea for food. They dug holes in the ground, 
wherein they laid their eggs, and lodged themselves, 
and bred their young. It would not be possible to 
find a bird of their bigness which had greater 
strength than they ; for our men putting cudgels 
into their hol-es to force them out, they would take 
hold of the cudgels with their bills, and would not 
let go their hold." 

The discovery of these fowl was very fortu- 
nate for the crews, who had not for a long time 
tasted so pleasant a dish. Three thousand of them 
were soon dispatched ; and those which could not 
be eaten, were cured and stored away for future 
use. The rest of the voyage through the Straits 
proved full of perils, alarms, and discomforts. The 
cold was at times excessive. Snow fell, and the 
banks were crusted with ice ; sometimes the whole 
landscape appeared shrouded in white. Often, too, 
the ships could find no anchorage, so deep and 
seemingly unfathomable were the channels through 
which they passed. Tornadoes burst suddenly upon 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 129 

» 

them, and drove them to right and left, and some- 
times compelled them to retreat before the tem- 
pestuous violence ; while the waters rose and 
dashed with terrific force against the sides of the 
httle fleet. 

But all these dangers and discomforts were safely- 
endured with sturdy perseverance and unflagging 
courage ; and on the 6th of September, Drake and 
his brave comrades were rewarded by beholding, 
rising majestically above the restless waters, the 
cape which, as they knew, stood at the outlet from 
the Straits into the long looked-for Pacific. 



1 30 DRAKE : 




CHAPTER IX. 

DRAKE AT CAPE HORN. 

RAKE had sailed through the Straits of 
Magellan in a shorter time than the pas- 
sage had ever before been accomplished. 
Hitherto, it had taken the Spanish and Portuguese 
ships at least a month to steer through its winding 
channels and amid its dangerous reefs. In less 
than half that time Drake had passed from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific. 

To sail English ships in the Pacific waters had 
been his eager ambition ; and it was now fulfilled. 
But he had also imagined it possible to discover a 
passage from sea to sea on the northwest of the 
American continent ; and he knew that if he could 
make such a discovery, he would not only cover 
himself with glory, but would bring great advan- 
tages to England. Accordingly, when he found 
himself in the Pacific, his first thought was to skirt 
the American coast throughout its length, and 
penetrate northward as far as possible. 

The voyage along the South American shores 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. I3I 

was at first prosperous and rapid. The three ships 
— the "Golden Hind," the *' Elizabeth," and the 
"Marigold" — were able to keep near together, 
and in two days two hundred miles had been trav- 
ersed. But on the third day, a storm of wind so 
violent overtook the little fleet, that it was not 
only diverted from its northerly course, but was 
driven rapidly southward again. After a while, the 
wind changed, and the fleet once more advanced ; 
and for a week all went well. 

Then for the second time the elements broke 
forth with renewed fury. The ships were hurled 
hither and thither; again and again they lost 
sight of each other ; masts were torn from the 
decks, and sails torn in strips and shreds. South- 
ward once more the unfortunate vessels were 
driven ; it was several days before the *' Golden 
Hind" could attempt to seek a refuge by the 
mainland. When she did so, the ** Elizabeth" 
alone followed her. The "Marigold," driven far 
out to sea by the terrific gale, was lost to sight, 
and was never heard of again. In no long time 
Drake found himself back at the entrance of the 
Straits of Magellan. It seemed as if the supersti- 
tions which he had heard before leaving England 



132 drake: 

were about to be realized ; and he almost despaired 
of ever achieving his purpose of crossing the Pa- 
cific. 

A new misfortune added to the rayless gloom of 
his situation. The " Elizabeth," the only remain- 
ing companion of the "Golden Hind," one morn- 
ing passed within the Straits. Drake supposed 
that she had only gone a little way for secure har- 
borage, and that, when the storm subsided, she 
would reappear. Day after day passed, and the 
" Elizabeth " did not return. Finally, Drake was 
forced to conclude that she had either been wrecked 
in the tortuous channels of the strait, or that she 
had deserted him. The latter conjecture was the 
true one. Captain Winter, who commanded the 
** Elizabeth," had secretly resolved to abandon the 
venture, and to leave the " Golden Hind " to its 
fate. Against this his crew, of stouter heart than 
himself, vehemently protested : but Winter was 
obdurate. The " Elizabeth," after resting a while 
in a pleasant harbor, where the sailors regaled 
themselves on some delicious shell-fish which they 
found near the shore, set out to traverse the straits 
eastward ; and after a long voyage across the At- 
lantic, reached England in safety in the following 
summer. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 33 

This was not the only disaster which Drake met 
with in the neighborhood of the Straits. He 
had with the " Golden Hind " a small shallop, 
which would hold eight men, and could be used 
for coasting and searching for harbors. On once 
more setting out, the ship was again driven south- 
ward by the fury of the storms which continued 
to burst upon it in quick succession. 

At last he succeeded in entering the channels 
between the groups of islands which are called 
Terra del Fuego. After a brief rest, he once more 
put to sea ; but still was driven in a southerly di- 
rection. In one of the tempests the shallop, with 
eight seamen in her, separated from the " Golden 
Hind." These men had but a very scant supply 
of provisions ; but while the " Golden Hind " con- 
tinued to be carried ever southward, the shallop 
succeeded in regaining the straits. 

The after adventures of the men in the shallop 
were thrilling. They soon abandoned all hope of 
ever rejoining the " Golden Hind ; " yet what could 
they do, with their frail craft, in these tempestuous 
waters and savage regions } In desperation, they 
grimly resolved that, if possible, they would again 
enter the straits, and trust to chance for their 



1 34 DRAKE : 

safety. After many cruel hardships, and by dint 
of great perseverance, they succeeded in reaching 
the straits ; and, favored by the weather, they 
safely accomplished its passage. In a few weeks 
they found themselves once more at the welcome 
haven of the Rio de la Plata, on the Atlantic 
coast. Here they put in, to rest, procure food, and 
repair their little vessel. 

One day, six of the party entered the woods 
skirted one of the banks, hoping to procure some 
game, while the other two remained behind to 
guard the camp and the boat. The six men had 
not gone far when they were furiously attacked 
by a band of natives, who fired a shower of arrows 
at them. So well directed was the assault, that 
every one of the- Englishmen was wounded. Four 
of them fell upon the ground, so seriously hurt 
that they could not move ; and they were speedily 
captured by the natives, and taken away into the 
interior. The other two, though wounded and 
bleeding, managed to make their way back to their 
companions. But the natives, not content with their 
first triumph, lost no time in pursuing these two 
men. Scarcely had they reached the shore, when 
the Indians poured out of the woods, and stormed 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 35 

the party with their arrows. The Englishmen 
succeeded in driving their assailants back ; and 
jumping into the shallop, hastened to an island 
some miles from the coast. But no sooner had 
they reached this refuge, than the two who had 
been wounded, died. 

Two men only of the party of eight now sur- 
vived. They were sadly considering what they 
should do next, when, on the next morning, a 
furious storm arose, and they were overwhelmed 
with despair to see their shallop dashed to pieces 
on the rocks. They were now imprisoned on the 
lonely island, with no prospect of ever leaving 
it. They could not hope that any ship would 
come that way and rescue them. They were con- 
vinced that the " Golden Hind " had foundered in 
the southern billows ; and they seemed destined 
to die a horrible death in this remote and savage 
solitude. 

They searched everywhere for springs of fresh 
water, but could find none ; and, while they managed 
to secure crabs, eels, and fruit for food, their suffer- 
ings from thirst were dreadful, and became more 
unendurable day by day. At last, the two wander- 
ers resolved that they could no longer bear their 



136 drake: 

situation. They made up their minds at all haz- 
ards to reach the mainland, or perish in the attempt. 
There, the savages might kill them ; but it was bet- 
ter to be killed than to die of the lingering and 
excruciating pangs of thirst. At least, if they 
could get to the mainland, they would find fresh 
water ; and, whatever might happen to them after- 
wards, they would enjoy the luxury of once more 
quaffing blessed draughts from a sparkling spring. 

One day, they were rejoiced to find a long plank, 
which had drifted upon the beach. It was ten 
feet long, and two wide. Weak as they were, the 
men managed to draw it up. They then took some 
sticks, and contrived to construct a very rude and 
uncertain raft. Upon this they placed such small 
store of provisions as they could collect. They 
kneeled on the sand, and implored God to protect 
them in the desperate venture they were about to 
undertake; and then, with the uncouth paddles 
they had made, they got upon the raft, pushed it 
off, and committed themselves to the treacherous 
waters. 

They could see the forests of the mainland in the 
dim, hazy distance, but what perils lay between 
them and those longed-for shores I For three days 




Drake on the extremity of Cape Horn. — Page 138. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 3/ 

and two nights they rocked about on the rough 
waves, sometimes becoming so wearied with their 
exertions that they could only lie down, and let 
the poor frail raft drift where it would ; but at the 
end of that time they found themselves close to the 
beach, and had soon crawled exhausted upon it. 

"At our first coming on land, " says one of them, 
Peter Carder, " we found a little river of sweet and 
pleasant water, where William Pitcher, my only 
comfort and companion, although I dissuaded him 
to the contrary, overdrank himself, being perished 
before with extreme thirst ; and to my unspeakable 
grief and discomfort,' ^ied in half an hour in my 
presence. I buried him as well as I could in the 
sand." 

Peter Carder, who thus described the death of 
his last comrade, was now alone in this strange 
and savage land. It seemed impossible that he 
should ever see the face of a white man again, or 
could long survive the rest of the party. But he kept 
up a stout heart ; and, despite the deadly ferocity 
of the natives, who had killed six of his comrades 
already, he boldly penetrated the country. After 
many stirring adventures, Peter reached the inte- 
rior of Brazil, where he was captured and enslaved 



138 drake: 

by a Portuguese colony. Nine years after, he suc- 
ceeded in recovering his liberty and in returning 
to England, where he was received by the Queen 
herself, to whom he related his singular career. 

While the men in the shallop were thus meeting 
their fate, Drake and the "Golden Hind" were 
still drifting southward. He had at last reached 
the islands at the extreme south of the South 
American continent ; and here, near the last of 
the islands, the wind and waves having subsided, he 
was able to cast anchor in a deep basin, shel- 
tered by a range of lofty cliffs. Drake landed 
upon the island, and rested with his crew. As 
soon as he had recovered somewhat from the ex- 
haustion of the voyage, he took it into his head to 
explore the island. Proceeding to its southern- 
most extremity, he became convinced that, beyond, 
there was no further land, but that the ocean 
rolled thence limitless to the antarctic pole. This 
conviction filled him with exultant pride. He ad- 
vanced to the southernmost cliff, cast himself at 
full length on its crest, and stretched his arms and 
body out over the water as far as he safely could. 

When he returned to the " Golden Hind," one 
of his officers asked him, — 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 39 

" Captain, where have you been ? " 

" Why," replied Drake, with a proud smile, " I 
have been further south than any man living. I 
have stood on the southernmost point of land in 
the world, known or likely to be known." He had, 
indeed, stood on the very extremity of Cape Horn. 

Undaunted by his disasters, the sturdy navigator 
was more than ever resolved to search for the 
northwest passage ; and after naming the islands 
the ** Elizabethides," in loyal honor of his sover- 
eign, he once more set sail northward. Fortu- 
nately fair winds from the south now waved him 
on his way. The stormy season seemed to have 
come to an end ; and Drake looked forward to 
fresh adventures with willing and hopeful heart. 

It was the last of October when he departed 
from Cape Horn. In a little less than a month 
he had reached the coast of Chili, and was near 
the scenes of the conquests of Pizarro. A harbor 
was soon found ; and from his deck Drake could 
espy, on the sloping hills in the near distance, cattle 
and sheep grazing, and corn and potatoes growing. 
The natives came freely to the shore, and received 
the presents which Drake lavished upon them with 
every appearance of delight and gratitude. Sup- 



140 • DRAKE : 

posing them to be friendly, he took a boat, and, 
with several sailors, made for the shore for the pur- 
pose of procuring fresh water. Two of the sailors 
jumped out of the boat, and were walking along 
the sands, when they were suddenly attacked from 
^n ambush. Those who remained in the boat, in- 
cluding Drake, were assailed by a shower of jave- 
lins, stones, and arrows ; and before they could 
pull away, every man was wounded. Drake himself 
received an arrow in his cheek, and a stone in the 
side of his face ; and so close did the Indians get 
to the boat, that they were able to snatch away 
several of the oars. It was only by the narrowest 
chance that the occupants of the boat safely 
reached the *' Golden Hind." 

The crew of the ship were greatly enraged at 
this unprovoked assault ; and gathering around 
Drake, who stood on the deck with bleeding face, 
they exclaimed, — 

"Let us set upon them!" 

"Nay," replied Drake, quietly. "These poor 
wretches doubtless take us for Spaniards ; and 
since, if they do, theywoilld be right in having 
attacked us, we must not punish them for the of- 
fence." 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. I4I 

The crew were appeased by these wise and mod- 
erate words, and submitted to their brave captain's 
counsels. 

One day, not long after this, Drake sent out a 
boat to reconnoitre the shore, which, in the part of 
the coast where they now were, looked inviting. 
This boat soon returned, bringing with it a fishing 
canoe, with a native in it. This native, at first 
frightened out of his wits (for he surmised that he 
had fallen into the hands of the relentless Span- 
iards), was soon reassured on learning that his 
captors were Englishmen. Drake made him sit 
down on the deck of the "Golden Hind," and 
offered him refreshments and a few trifling pres- 
ents. A chopping knife and a piece of linen cloth 
especially pleased him ; and when Drake asked 
him to go ashore with one of the ship's boats, and 
prevail on his countrymen to sell them some pro- 
visions, he promptly assented. In this way Drake 
procured a goodly supply of eggs and fowl ; and a 
fat hog was also brought on board. With the re- 
turning boat came a native of high rank, who, on 
learning that the voyagers were not Spaniards, but 
men who hated the Spaniards, had asked to be 
taken to the ship. This native proved to be 



142 DRAKE : 

a valuable friend to Drake and his companions. 
After receiving the best dishes which the " Golden 
Hind" afforded, he turned to Drake and said in 
Spanish : 

" If you wish, captain, I will gladly serve as your 
guide. I will conduct you to the rich port of Val- 
paraiso. It is not many leagues southward of this. 
I can tell you that in that port lies a great Spanish 
galleon, richly laden with treasures. I should be 
glad, and so would my countrymen, to see you 
capture her, and seize her precious cargo." 

Drake heartily thanked his swarthy friend, and 
at once resolved to turn his news to good account. 
The next day, the "Golden Hind" spread all sail 
and passed rapidly down the coast. On arriving 
off the port of Valparaiso, Drake saw at once that 
the native had told him the truth. There lay the 
big galleon, her Spanish flag floating in the breeze, 
and her huge hulk gently swaying in the harbor. 
Before the Spaniards were aware of their peril, the 
"Golden Hind" had swooped down upon the ship. 
She was captured almost without shedding a drop 
of blood. Drake and a number of his men boarded 
her, secured her crew and searched for her treasure. 
To his surprise and delight, he found that she con- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. I43 

tained over one hundred and twenty thousand dol- 
lars in gold pieces, besides jewels, goods, and about 
two thousand large jars of Chili wine. These he 
appropriated without the least compunction : and 
having transferred his plunder to the ** Golden 
Hind," he left the Spanish ship where she was. 

A bounteous and joyous feast on board the 
"Golden Hind" followed this brilliant capture. 
The officers and men revelled in the luxuries which 
they had long been without, and the sweet Chilian 
wine flowed like water. 

Drake resolved not to leave Valparaiso before 
entering the town and searching for more booty. 
The people hurried out into the country when 
they saw the Englishmen landing from their 
boats ; and in the deserted houses, and the small, 
solitary church, which stood in their midst, Drake 
found many objects of gold and silver, besides 
welcome additions to his supply of provisions. 

Drake then generously rewarded the noble 
native who had guided him to so much good for- 
tune. He sent a boat to put the native on shore 
at the place where he desired to land, and as he 
took his departure, Drake warmly embraced him. 
The native departed with the most eager protesta- 



144 DRAKE : 

tions of gratitude and friendship for his English 
benefactors. 

On continuing his voyage along the South Ameri- 
can coast Drake met with many adventures, suf- 
fered some mishaps, and had occasional strokes of 
good fortune. He had not yet given up all hope 
of finding the ''Marigold," and the "Elizabeth," 
and imagined that they, as well as he, had sailed 
northward. As the "Golden Hind" drew too 
much water to hug the coast, he caused one of his 
frame-works to be put together into a pinnace ; 
and this kept near the shore, in search of the lost 
ships. While the pinnace was being constructed 
near a point of land where the " Golden Hind " 
had been anchored for the purpose, a party which 
had gone a little inland to procure fresh water, 
was suddenly attacked by a body of Spanish cavalry 
and foot soldiers. They managed to escape, how- 
ever, with the loss of one man. 

On landing at a place called Tarapaza, further 
up the coast, some of the men, having gone 
ashore, suddenly came upon a Spaniard lying sound 
asleep on the banks of a small stream. By his 
side, they were surprised to find thirteen heavy 
bars of solid silver. He and his treasure were at 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 145 

once captured. Going a little further inland, they 
met another Spaniard and a native boy, driving 
some sheep. Upon the back of the sheep were 
some heavy bags, which, when the Englishmen 
opened them, proved also to contain solid silver 
bars. All this treasure was speedily conveyed to 
the "Golden Hind." 

A few days after, the voyagers reached a port 
called Arica, from which stretched out a very 
lovely and fertile valley which charmed the eyes 
of Drake and his companions. Two or three small 
Spanish barks, whose crews were all unsuspectingly 
on shore, lay in the roadstead ; and these the Eng- 
lish speedily emptied of all their contents which 
were worth taking away. The town was a small 
one, containing only twenty houses ; " which we 
would have ransacked," says one of the voyagers, 
" if our company had been better and more numer- 
ous ; but our general, contented with the spoil of 
the ships, put to sea, and sailed for Lima." 

Drake had good reason for this haste. While at 
Arica he had met with a very intelligent native, 
who, like all the natives along this coast, detested 
and feared the Spaniards. This man had told him 
that a Spanish galleon, laden with a most valuable 



146 DRAKE : 

cargo, was passing slowly up the coast. To catch 
up with her and capture her was now his eager 
object. Calling his crew together he said: 

*'My men, there is a great galleon ahead, with a 
vast treasure. We must overtake her and possess 
ourselves of her booty. Whichever man of you 
first espies her, shall receive from me a heavy gold 
chain and grateful thanks." 

The sailors one and all kept vigilant watch. At 
last, one morning, just as Drake was going upon 
deck, his brother, John Drake, rushed breathlessly 
to him, and pointing to the dim northern horizon, 
exclaimed : 

"There, master, is the Spanish galleon!" 

Drake hastened forward, and sure enough, there 
were her sails, just visible against the clear morn- 
ing sky. John Drake was promptly rewarded with 
the gold chain. The Spanish ship was progressing 
slowly along the coast. The "Golden Hind" put 
on all sail, and in a few hours had almost caught 
up with her intended prize. The Spaniards, never 
once surmising that any English ship could be 
sailing in that part of the world, took the " Golden 
Hind" for one of their own craft; and, instead of 
making haste to escape, slackened their leisurely 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 47 

speed, and signalled to the officers of the " Golden 
Hind" to come on board. When they discovered 
their mistake, it was too late to resist their assail- 
ants. Drake, with a strong body of full-armed 
men, boarded the galleon, seized her crew, placed 
them under the hatches, and quietly took pos- 
session of her rich stores of silver and gold. 
Then, putting the Spaniards ashore, he set the 
galleon, unarmed, adrift, and she was probably 
dashed to pieces among the breakers in the next 
storm. 

The " Golden Hind " was now stored with an 
abundant treasure, and a more than ample supply 
of provisions. Drake began to think of returning 
home. He had gained wealth for himself and all 
his companions, and had fulfilled his ambition of 
passing through the Straits of Magellan, and 
sailing an English ship in the waters of the 
Pacific. There seemed to be nothing more to gain 
by remaining in these remote regions. So he re- 
solved that, as the Spaniards, now fully aware of 
his presence on the western coast, would take care 
that he should not return homeward by the way of 
the straits, he would lose no time in seeking a 
way back to England by passing round the Ameri- 



148 DRAKE : 

can continent by the northwest. He little thought 
how long it would be before he again set foot on 
his native land ; or how many thrilling incidents 
and narrow escapes would happen before he again 
beheld the white cliffs of old England. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 49 




CHAPTER X. 

ADVENTURES WITH THE INDIANS. 

N WARD and northward, under full sail, sped 
the sturdy ship. Still bent on plunder 
where it could be seized, Drake's first 
destination was the port of Lima, the Peruvian cap- 
ital, which had long been in Spanish hands. He 
was elated and encouraged by his previous bright 
fortune in making captures, and began to think 
that nothing could resist his bold attack. 

He knew that a messenger had started from 
Valparaiso by land, to carry news of his presence 
on the coast to the Spaniards in Lima. But he 
was sure that, being on the water, he could outstrip 
the messenger, who would be forced to travel 
through a savage country, with few roads and amid 
many perils. He succeeded, indeed, in reaching 
Lima first ; but when he got there, he found that 
the plunder fell far short of his hopes. There were 
many Spanish vessels in port, and being taken by 
surprise, they were easily boarded ; but, aside from 



150 drake: 

a few cargoes of cloth and general merchandize, 
they proved to contain little worth seizing. 

The Spaniards at Lima at first supposed that 
the " Golden Hind " was a Spanish vessel, which 
had been taken by some Spanish pirates, and was 
engaged in piratical depredations. The governor 
therefore made all haste to pursue, and, if possible, 
capture her. He never imagined it possible for an 
English vessel to pass the Straits of Magellan. 

While he was making his preparations, however, 
the messenger from Valparaiso arrived and told 
his story. The discovery that the "Golden Hind" 
was English inspired the governor to redouble his 
exertions. He soon raised a force of two thousand 
horse and foot soldiers, and hastened at their head 
to the port. Out in the offing lay the " Golden 
Hind," becalmed and unable to sail. Two Spanish 
ships were at once made ready, and two hundred 
soldiers were put on board of them. As these 
ships raised their sails and glided out of the har- 
bor, the capture of Drake seemed inevitable. 
But at this very moment a welcome gale sprang 
up from the south. The sails of the "Golden 
Hind " bulged out and filled ; and the pursuers, to 
their dismay and rage,^ saw her rapidly coursing 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. I5I 

northward. Drake perceived that if the Spanish 
ships caught up with him, he would have no chance. 
He could not hope to encounter such an array. 
His only safety was in flight. 

Hour after hour the pursuit went on. Sometimes 
the Spanish ships gained rapidly on the " Golden 
Hind," and seemed about to press upon her sides. 
Once or twice they came near enough to do her 
some damage with their shots. Then she would 
slip away from them, and leave them far behind. 

Perhaps she might, after all, have fallen into 
their hands, had not the Spanish governor neglect- 
ed a very necessary precaution. Supposing that 
he could capture the English ship before she could 
get a league away from port, he had not thought 
of storing his vessels with provisions. The pursuit 
lasted so long that his soldiers became well nigh 
famished. If he went on, starvation must in the 
end defeat his hopes. So he reluctantly gave the 
order to abandon the pursuit of the " Golden Hind," 
and to return to port. The governor, on again 
reaching Lima, did not yet give up all hope of tak- 
ing the English buccaneer. He at once caused 
three more ships to be equipped, manned, and dis- 
patched in pursuit. But though they made all 



152 drake: 

haste, the Spanish ships failed to overtake the 
flying vessel. 

Drake soon found himself north of the South 
American continent, and nearing the rugged coast 
of Nicaragua. He continued to take many prizes ; 
and, as he had now an abundance of riches, he only 
selected, for plunder, the most valuable contents 
of the vessels which he captured. He no longer 
robbed them of their stores of provisions, but sat- 
isfied himself with the gold and silver, the fine 
silks and linen, which they were found to contain. 
Meanwhile the little pinnace did good service 
along the coast, by bringing to the " Golden Hind," 
from time to time, such luxuries as butter, honey, 
and fresh fowl and eggs. On one of the ships 
which he captured, Drake was pleased to find a 
number of charts, which gave him a more accurate 
idea of the seas in which he was sailing than he had 
before ; and these proved daily of great service to 
him. 

Every now and then he landed his men and at- 
tacked the coastwise towns ; and in some of them 
obtained valuable booty. But as he was now in 
search of the northwest passage of which he 
dreamed, his stay in each place was very brief. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 53 

It was in the middle of April that Drake, leaving 
the coast, stretched out to sea, determined now to 
no longer delay or interrupt an attempt to find the 
northwest passage. He resolved that he would 
not again seek land, until by stress of weather or 
want of provisions or water, he should find himself 
forced to do so. For more than five weeks the 
** Golden Hind " sailed on to the northwestward, 
without once coming in sight of land. Drake 
imagined that the Pacific stretched in an un- 
broken sweep northward to the limit of the North 
American continent, where he expected to find his 
passage around it to the Atlantic again. He did 
not know that the coast of the continent, instead 
of rising directly northward, stretched off at a 
wide angle to the north-westward. He had there- 
fore directed his course more and more in a north- 
erly direction as he proceeded. 

But on the fifth of June, he was surprised to see 
land off at his right ; and on changing his course, 
and coming near, found it to be, not a large island, 
as he at first surmised, but the coast of the main 
land. The region thereabout was bleak and for- 
bidding. The coast was low and open. The hills 
which he saw in the distance were covered with 



154 drake: 

snow. Chilly, dismal fogs overspread the cheerless 
landscape. The winds were fierce and cutting, 
and the intense cold caused keen suffering among 
the crew. Such was the aspect of the coast of 
what we now call California — in these days a 
smiling, beautiful, fruitful region — in the mid- 
summer of 1579. After some time spent in 
searching for a harbor, one was found which must 
have been some distance south of what we call 
the Golden Gate, the entrance to the harbor of 
San Francisco. Here was good anchorage and 
fair shelter ; and the " Golden Hind " was moored 
off a rock-bound shore. 

No sooner had she cast anchor than a number 
of Indians, looking very much as our Western In- 
dians do nowadays, flocked down and came close 
to the ship. They did not seem to entertain the 
least fear or suspicion of the strangers. Several 
of the Indians went to the ship in a canoe, and 
without any hesitation drew up close under her 
sides. Then one of them, taller in stature and 
more gorgeously arrayed and tattooed than the 
rest, got up in the canoe and began a long speech in 
his native language. He spoke with great dignity 
and solemnity. Drake, of course, could not under- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 55 

Stand anything he said ; but he rightly guessed 
that the Indian was making him an address of 
welcome, and an offer of friendship. This was 
confirmed when, the next day, the stately savage 
returned to the ship, and with much ceremony, 
deposited a bunch of black feathers at Drake's 
feet. 

The Englishmen soon found themselves on very 
easy and familiar terms with the Indians. So sim- 
ple and guileless were the manners of these people, 
that the adventurers, in spite of their experience 
of the sly perfidy of the South American aborigines, 
freely trusted their persons among them. They 
observed with curiosity that the men, for the most 
part, went completely naked ; and made up for 
the want of clothing, by painting their faces and 
bodies all over with strange characters and in bril- 
liant colors, and covering their heads with long 
plumes of gorgeous feathers. The squaws wore 
petticoats made of twisted rushes, and deerskins 
around their shoulders. Among other presents 
brought by these simple natives to the ship, was a 
basket made of rushes, in which were pieces of 
dried herb, which they called "tabak." It proved 
to be what we know as tobacco ; but neither Drake 



156 DRAKE : 

nor his men knew the uses to which tobacco has 
been put by later generations. Drake was sur- 
prised to find that, while these Indians were 
lavish with their gifts, they for some reason ap- 
peared unwilling to receive any presents from the 
new comers. 

Three days after Drake's arrival in this harbor, 
a mishap occurred which, if the Indians had proved 
treacherous, would have resulted in the destruction 
of the voyagers. The *' Golden Hind" sprang a 
leak. It was necessary without delay to bring her 
to anchor in more shallow water, and nearer to the 
shore. This, of course, put her at the mercy of the 
natives. Drake at once took his measures to save 
his crew and cargo, and repair the damage. Men 
were sent on shore to erect tents and provide for 
their defence by erecting a rude stone wall around 
them. Fortunately the ship was so moored that 
she could not sink ; and the cargo and provisions 
were safely landed and stored. 

While the adventurers were employed in this 
task, they suddenly heard a great clamor in the 
brush near by ; and presently forth issued a great 
crowd of Indians, uttering loud yells, and bran- 
dishing their hatchets and their lances. The Eng- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 5/ 

lishmen were terror-stricken ; for they thought that, 
after all, the Indians had turned traitors, and were 
about to precipitate themselves upon them. But 
they were soon reassured. The Indians, when they 
had come within a short distance of the camp, sud- 
denly stopped, and gathered close together in a 
semicircle. Then they made many eager gesticula- 
tions, from which the Englishmen at once perceived 
that their intentions were anything but hostile. 
They seemed, on the contrary, to be struck with 
awe, and assumed an attitude as if of worship and 
admiration at the marvellous skill of the strangers. 
Drake boldly advanced to them, and made them 
signs to lay aside their weapons. They caught 
his meaning at once ; and assuming a posture of 
submission, laid all their arrows, hatchets, and 
lances on the ground behind them. More and 
more Indians kept coming to the spot, and as they 
came, laid aside their weapons, and gazed with 
respectful curiosity at the operations of the 
English. 

In no long time Drake was able to make them 
understand his motions and signs. He told them 
in this way that the English were not gods, as they 
seemed to suppose, but men like themselves. He 



158 drake: 

at last persuaded them to take presents from him ; 
and showing them some suits of clothes, instructed 
them how to put them on ; whereupon they showed 
many signs of delight. The Indians were resolved 
not to be outdone in generosity, and kept bringing 
into camp a great variety of articles of curious 
workmanship. Among them were huge bunches 
of feathers, skilfully bound together with strings 
made of rushes, finely woven network, quivers 
adorned with bright-colored feathers, and many 
rare and beautiful skins. 

Then they invited Drake and his comrades to go 
and see their habitations ; an invitation which was 
eagerly accepted. The English found that their 
copper-colored friends dwelt in a kind of holes, 
dug in the earth, and surmounted by curious 
wooden spire-like roofs. The roofs were covered 
with turf so as to protect tfce inmates from rain. 
The dwellings had but a single opening, which served 
both for a door and a chimney ; to enter it, one 
had to creep in on his hands and knees. Their 
beds consisted of rushes spread upon the bare 
ground ; and they built their fires in the centre of 
their huts, lying in a circle around it. The adven- 
turers were amused to observe wdth what submis- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 59 

sion and obedience the squaws served their hus- 
bands. The men were indolent, but the women 
were active and skilful in their domestic duties. 

Many of the doings and customs of the Indians 
were a source of amusement to Drake and his men. 
One morning, a large crowd of them appeared on 
the summit of a hill which overlooked the Ensrlish 
camp. A tall and fantastically dressed Indian 
stood forward in front of the rest, and stretching 
his arms towards the camp, began a long, solemn 
oration. His voice was almost a roar, so loud was 
it ; and as he spoke he made many violent ges- 
tures. He talked so fast, moreover, that he had to 
stop very often to catch his breath. As soon as 
he had finished, the rest began to bow their bodies 
almost to the ground, uttering at the same time 
a loud and prolonged *' Oh ! " Then, carefully de- 
positing their weapons on the crest of the hill, the 
men slowly descended it, while the women and chil- 
dren remained behind. 

As they reached the camp, the Englishmen per- 
ceived that each one of them had in his hand a 
present ; and these gifts they laid at the feet of 
the strangers with every token of the profoundest 
reverence. While this was being done, the women 



i6o drake! 

on top of the hill began a series of the most sin- 
gular antics. They writhed about, and clutched 
their long black hair ; they cried and shrieked pite- 
ously ; they scratched their dark cheeks till the 
blood streamed on their breasts ■ they tore off the 
skins which covered their shoulders ; and casting 
themselves suddenly on the ground, furiously lashed 
themselves about among the stones and briars. 

Drake soon discovered that all this commotion 
was intended as an act of worship. The Indians, 
in spite of all he had told them, still believed that 
the English were gods, and took this violent way 
of testifying their faith. When they had ceased 
their cries and contortions, Drake called upon all 
his company to kneel in prayer; *'and by signs 
in lifting up our eyes and hands to heaven," says 
one of the voyagers, " we signified unto them that 
that God whom we did serve, and whom they ought 
to worship, was above. In the time of which pray- 
ers, singing of psalms, and reading of certain chap- 
ters of the Bible, they sat very attentively ; and at 
the end of every pause, with one voice still cried, 
'Oh!' greatly rejoicing in our exercises. They 
took such pleasure in our singing of psalms, that 
whensoever they resorted to us their first request 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. l6l 

was commonly this, ' Gnaah ! ' by which they en- 
treated that we would sing." 

Not long after these events, the voyagers re- 
ceived a visit from the king of this tribe, who 
dwelt some distance in the interior. The king 
had at first feared to go to the English camp, lest 
they should capture him and plunder his dominions. 
But his fears were allayed by the friendly treatment 
of his subjects ; and he descended the hill in great 
state, and surrounded by a long train of his princi- 
pal men. 

Foremost in this motley procession marched 
a very tall Indian who solemnly bore the royal 
mace, which was rudely carved in black wood, 
and was four or five feet long. On the mace were 
hung two curious-looking crowns and three long 
chains. The crowns were of knit-work, in which 
were wrought feathers fantastically arranged. The 
chains were fashioned from bone, and were made 
in small links. Just behind this Indian, who 
seemed to be a sort of marshal, came the copper- 
colored monarch himself, wearing upon his head a 
knitted cap, and on his shoulder a long, glistening 
skin, which extended to his waist. Around him 
moved his body-guard, consisting of tall and 



1 62 DRAKE : 

brawny Indians, wearing vari-colored skins, and 
bearing weapons in their hands ; while their heads 
fairly bristled with white, red, and deep-blue 
feathers. After the guard, flocked a host of In- 
dians of the commoner sort, many of them being 
completely naked, and their long, straight, black 
hair being gathered in a thick bunch at the back 
of the head. The faces of this quaint multitude 
shone with paint of every color, daubed on in the 
most grotesque and uncouth lines and figures. 
The women carried round baskets, full of roots 
and herbs. 

Drake took the precaution to order his men 
to arm themselves, lest by any chance foul play 
might be intended. He caused them to stand in 
close ranks, and to await the coming of the king. 
As the dark potentate descended the hill, he and 
all his attendants made a profound bow. Then he 
turned and muttered something to his marshal, 
who repeated the unintelligible words in a loud 
voice and with many gestures. The marshal 
ended this harangue with a weird song, which he 
bellowed forth at the top of his lungs ; at the 
same time prancing around with many strange 
antics. Pretty soon the entire multitude of In- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 163 

dians began to dance, in that manner approaching 
Drake and his comrades ; and, being invited by 
Drake's signs, they fearlessly entered the enclosure. 
On being seated within, the Indian king pro- 
ceeded, with a long oration, to offer Drake the 
friendship of his kingdom, and even declared that 
the Indians should become the vassals of the Eng- 
lish. He said that the Englishmen's God should 
be his God also. Then rising, he began to caper 
and dance around Drake, and the other Indians 
followed his example. The king put a crown 
upon Drake's head, and threw one of his heavy 
chains around his neck. This strange ceremony 
over, the royal party left the camp ; and as, in the 
fast-deepening twilight, they swarmed up the hill, 
they began once more to shriek and groan, and 
utter loud and piercing yells, until their hoarse 
voices became faint in the distance. 



164 DRAKE r" 




CHAPTER XL 

DRAKE CROSSES THE PACIFIC. 

RAKE'S stay among these North Amer- 
ican Indians, who inhabited what we 
call California, was full of pleasant and 
interesting events. The more he saw of this 
simple, savage folk, the more he liked their 
ways and character. They freely came to the 
English with all their troubles, for they believed 
the strangers to be all-knowing. In illness, they 
repaired to the camp to be cured, and begged 
that the Englishmen would touch or blow upon 
their diseased parts, having all faith that this 
would restore them to health again. But the Eng- 
lishmen disabused them of this idea, and showed 
them that lotions and plasters were much more 
effective. 

After a while, not a day passed that more or less 
Indians were not hanging about the camp ; and on 
every third day they came in a multitude, bringing 
their quaint gifts and performing their ceremonies 
of reverence. Often they joined the adventurers in 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 65 

their meals, taking especial delight in the cooked 
fish and clams which daily supplied the table of 
the camp. 

The Englishmen narrowly observed their habits 
and customs ; and one of them thus set down 
what he noted concerning their characteristics : 
" They are a people," he wrote, " of a tractable, 
free and loving nature, without guile or treachery. 
Their bows and arrows (their principal weapons, 
and almost all their wealth) they use very skilfully ; 
but yet do no very great harm with them, being by 
reason of their weakness more fit for children than 
for men ; for they send the arrows neither far off, 
nor with any great force. Yet the men are com- 
monly so strong of body, that that which two or 
three of our men could hardly bear, one of them 
would take upon his back, and without trouble 
take it easily away, up hill and down hill an English 
mile together. They are also exceedingly swift in 
running, and of long continuance ; and are so 
accustomed to it that they seldom walk, but for 
the most part run. One thing we observed in 
them with admiration : that, if at any time they 
chanced to see a fish so near the shore that they 
might reach the place without swimming, they 
would never, or very seldom, miss catching it." 



1 66 DRAKE : 

The same voyager described the manner in 
which the Indians Hved, and the features of the 
country in that vicinity. " Our general," he says, 
"with his gentlemen and many of his company, 
made a journey up into the land to see the man- 
ner of their dwellings, and to be better acquainted 
with the nature and commodities of the country. 
Their houses were many of them in one place, 
making several villages here and there. The coun- 
try inland we found to be very different from the 
shore ; a goodly country with a fruitful soil, stored 
with many blessings fit for the use of man. Infinite 
was the multitude of large and fat deer which we 
saw by thousands in herds ; besides a multitude of 
a strange kind of conies, by far exceeding the deer 
in number. The heads and bodies of these conies 
were but small ; their tails, like the tail of a rat, 
very long ; and their feet like the paws of a mole. 
Under their chins on either side they had bags, 
into which they gathered their meat, that they 
might with it feed their young. The people ate 
the bodies of these conies, and made great account 
of their skins. The king's holiday coat was made 
of one of them." 

Toward the latter part of July, Drake, having 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 16/ 

repaired the *' Golden Hind " and restored its 
cargo, began to think of once more setting sail. 
But before taking his departure from the American 
coast, he wished to take possession of it in Queen 
Elizabeth's name, and to leave some memento of 
his stay there. He accordingly caused a large 
brass plate to be engraven with the queen's name, 
and with a declaration that he had taken posses- 
sion of the coast and that it was an appanage of 
the English crown. The date of his sojourn was 
added to the plate ; and a hole was cut in it, 
in which a sixpence, bearing the queen's pic- 
ture and coat-of-arms, was fixed as in a frame. 
This plate was securely nailed to a high, stout 
post, not far from the place where the English 
had first landed on the coast. 

When the Indians heard that their new-found 
friends were about to leave them, their grief be- 
trayed itself in many wild and touching demon- 
strations. They seemed to lose all the mirth 
and activity which had marked their intercourse 
with the Englishmen; and wandered about the 
camp sighing with heavy hearts, moaning, groaning, 
shedding tears and wringing their hands. By many 
eager signs, they implored Drake and his compan- 



1 68 DRAKE : 

ions to bear them in mind, and told them how re- 
joiced they would be to see the Englishmen on 
their shores again. Then they prepared a sacri- 
fice, which consisted of burning heaps of feathers 
and long chains made of bone. But the English- 
men, who looked upon this as idolatrous, tried to 
dissuade them from continuing it. The Indians at 
first refused to do so ; but when the Englishmen 
began to pray and sing psalms, the Indians de- 
serted their sacrificial fires, which they allowed to 
go out ; and beginning to imitate the Englishmen, 
clasped their hands, and rolled their eyes up heav- 
enward, as they saw them do. 

On the 23d of July, the *' Golden Hind " weighed 
anchor and slowly glided out of the harbor. The 
Indians were gathered in a dense body on the 
hill-top, presenting a strange and fantastic sight 
with their skins and feathers and glaringly painted 
bodies. They built bonfires in all directions, in 
token of farewell ; and soon the hill seemed almost 
like a great blazing furnace. Drake and his offi- 
cers, as they receded from the bay, stood on deck, 
and waved their hats until the hill, with its multi- 
tude and it;s fires, disappeared from view. 

For a few days the ship skirted the coast in a 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 69 

northerly direction. Drake still hoped to reach the 
northwest passage of which he had dreamed. But 
he found, to his chagrin, that the further he pro- 
gressed, the more bleak and intensely cold became 
the weather. Indeed, the cold was so extreme, 
and the heavy winds were so cutting, that it was 
fast becoming impossible to go further northward. 

With a sorrowful heart, he at last abandoned 
the idea of seeking for a northwest passage ; and 
now considered what he should do. To return 
by way of South America and the Straits of 
Magellan would be rash, and perhaps fatal. The 
Spaniards were all apprized of his presence in the 
Pacific, and were undoubtedly watching sharply 
for him. He could not hope to reach the Straits 
without being pursued and attacked by an over- 
whelming force of his bitter enemies. If the 
Spaniards captured him, they would give him no 
quarter. 

The only other route back to Europe lay across 
the vast Pacific, through the Asiatic seas and 
islands, and around the Cape of Good Hope. 
Happily Drake had carefully studied the accounts 
of the famous voyage of Magellan around the 
world. He had with him these narratives, and 



1 70 DRAKE : 

the rude charts which showed the course which 
Magellan had taken. Now for the first time it 
flashed across the dauntless navigator's mind, that 
he, too, might encompass the globe, and that the 
" Golden Hind " might be the first English ship 
to traverse the entire circumference of the Earth ! 

But to leave the American coast altogether, and 
to launch out upon the ocean, without hope of 
seeing land until the islands off the coast of Asia 
were reached, was an undertaking which required 
more ample preparation than Drake had made at 
his last sojourning place. He therefore resolved, 
before setting forth, to make for a group of islands 
quite near the coast, which he saw at some dis- 
tance away, and to put in stores of provisions 
which would last during the long and uncertain 
voyage he had now made up his mind to under- 
take. This done, the " Golden Hind," about the 
first of August, turned her course westward, in the 
direction of the Asiatic seas. 

The voyage across the Pacific proved quick and 
prosperous. The ocean for once justified its gen- 
tle name ; for Drake and his comrades were as- 
sailed by but few storms, and these were mild and 
brief. The ship was sixty-eight days out of sight of 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. I /I 

land. On the last day of September the welcome 
sight of islands at last met their view. 

No sooner had the " Golden Hind " approached 
near the green sloping shores of these islands than 
Drake, who was gazing eagerly over the side, per- 
ceived a large number of curious-looking canoes 
swarming over the water. Presently he saw that 
these canoes were approaching the ship ; and ere 
long several of them were close alongside. He then 
noticed that the boats were made of a tree hol- 
lowed so smoothly that they shone with a gloss in- 
side and out. The prows and sterns were high 
and semi-circular, and were hung with strings of 
many-shaped shells. The men in the canoes had, 
it appeared, brought out fish, potatoes, cocoanuts, 
and fruits, to sell to the voyagers. It was evident 
that they were quite used to Europeans ; for they 
showed no fear, and their first thought was to 
make a good trade. But they soon proved very 
different in their natures from the North Ameri- 
can Indians. They were ugly looking fellows, and 
the Englishmen observed that " the lower part of 
their ears were cut round, and hung down very 
low upon their cheeks, wherein they hung things of 
a considerable weight. The nails on the fingers of 



1/2 drake: 

some of them were at least an inch long, and their 
teeth were as black as pitch." 

While the natives traded with the new-comers, 
they began to urge Drake to bring the " Golden 
Hind " nearer to the shore. Drake, however, sus- 
pecting their good faith, refused to do so ; and the 
natives, having finished their trading, returned to 
the islands. The next day another fleet of canoes 
came out to the ship with more provisions. But 
these, after receiving some of the cloth and other 
articles which Drake offered them in exchange 
for their commodities, refused to give anything 
in return ; and at last rowed away, angry because 
the Englishmen finally refused to trade with them 
any longer. 

Their true character now betrayed itself. After 
they had pulled away a short distance, Drake saw 
a number of them suddenly rise in their canoes. 
In another moment a shower of stones rattled on 
the deck and against the sides of the ship. They 
had brought these stones in the bottom of their 
canoes, intending, if they were not pleased, to make 
this attack. The crew, indignant at this treacher- 
ous conduct, besought Drake to fire a volley among 
them. But Drake had read how Magellan had 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 73 

met his fate by treating the natives of these Asi- 
atic islands with imprudent severity. He therefore 
ordered that one of the cannon should be dis- 
charged, not at the canoes, but over the heads of 
the natives, that they might be frightened, but not 
hurt. This expedient had the desired effect. The 
natives, scared out of their wits by the deafening 
explosion, leaped frantically out of their canoes, 
and diving under their keels, kept them in the 
place where they were until the ** Golden Hind '* 
had moved some distance away. Then they clam- 
bered into their canoes again, and made for the 
shore in all haste. The *' Golden Hind " now pro- 
ceeded on her way, daily passing among the islands 
which cluster thickly in those waters, and occa- 
sionally stopping off their shores and bartering with 
their inhabitants. In this way she made, first, the 
island of Mindanao, then Talao, and the Philippine 
Islands. Drake was careful not to approach too 
nearly those islands in which he suspected any 
Portuguese to be ; but sought as well as he could 
the islands whose natives were hostile to the Por- 
tuguese. 

On the 3d of November he came at last in sight 
of the famous Moluccas, where some of Magellan's 



174 DRAKE : 

most thrilling adventures had taken place. Here, 
above all, it was necessary to beware of the Por- 
tuguese ; for they had settlements in more than 
one of the Moluccas. Happily, Drake received 
due warning of the danger he would run if he put 
in at the large island of Tidore, where he at first 
thought of making harbor. 

As he was directing his course towards this 
island, he was accosted by a canoe which had sud- 
denly pushed out from a little island along whose 
shores the " Golden Hind " was coasting. In the 
canoe came a native of rank, who signalled that 
he wished to board the ship. On mounting to the 
deck, — which he did without any signs of fear, — 
he announced himself as the governor of the island 
from which he had just come, and told Drake that 
its people were the subjects of the powerful King of 
Terenate. With many expressive gestures, he 
warned Drake by no means to put in at Tidore, 
where the Portuguese would certainly give him 
foul play, but to go to Terenate, the sovereign of 
which would welcome him with all honor and hos- 
pitality. The governor added that he himself 
would go that very night to Terenate, and carry to 
the king the news of Drake's arrival. The king, 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1/5 

he said, was a bitter foe of the Portuguese, and 
would receive their enemies as his good friends. 

Drake was convinced that the governor spoke 
in perfect good faith ; and, knowing well the 
jealousy and ill-will which the Portuguese bore 
the English, made up his mind promptly to follow 
the governor's advice. The course of the " Golden 
Hind" was therefore diverted from Tidore, and 
directed toward the island of Terenate. About 
dawn the next morning she came to anchor a 
short distance from the shore of that island ; 
and Drake sent a messenger in a boat, to apprize 
the potentate of his arrival, and to present him, as 
a token of good will, with a rich velvet cloak. 
Meanwhile the native governor, true to his prom- 
ise, had gone to Terenate, and had told the king 
that Drake was coming, and that he belonged to 
the mighty realm of England. The messenger 
had scarcely set his foot on land, when he met the 
governor and a number of the king's nobles and 
councillors, going down to the shore. They were 
on their way to deliver a friendly message from 
the king to Drake. They told the messenger that 
the king was willing that the English should 
traffic with his subjects as freely as they pleased ; 



176 DRAKE : 

and that he would himself soon visit the ship in 
token of his friendship and confidence. Then the 
governor gave the messenger one of the king's 
rings, to be carried to Drake. 

The messenger asked the royal party to conduct 
him to the king's presence, to which they willingly 
assented ; and when he had reached the royal 
dwelling, the swarthy monarch received him with 
many cordial signs of welcome. Early the next 
morning — the messenger having meanwhile re- 
mained with the natives in their village over night 
— the King of Terenate paid his visit to the 
** Golden Hind." He went in great state and 
ceremony, attended by a fleet of barges and ca- 
noes. In advance of the royal barge itself, floated 
thr^e large canoes, the prows and sterns of which 
curved fantastically upward, and were planed so that 
they appeared smooth and polished. In these 
were seated a number of the highest personages of 
the island kingdom, attired in the quaint cos- 
tumes of their rank. They wore cloaks of fine 
white cloth, and some of them looked grave and 
reverend with their matted white locks, and flowing, 
snowy beards. Over their heads was spread a 
canopy formed of broad mats, which was upheld 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 17/ 

by slender posts of reeds. These nobles sat ac- 
cording to their rank, the highest in rank occu- 
pying the places nearest the bow. 

''The rest of the men," says one of the voy- 
agers, "were soldiers, who stood in comely order 
round about on both sides ; on the outside of 
whom sat the rowers in galleries, which were 
three on each side the entire length of the canoes, 
built one above the other. In each of these gal- 
leries was an equal number of benches, whereon 
the rowers sat, about eighty in each canoe. In 
the forepart of each canoe sat two men, the one 
holding a tablet, the other a piece of brass, whereon 
they both struck at once ; and observing a due time 
and reasonable space between each stroke, by the 
sound thereof directed the rowers to keep their 
stroke with their oars. The rowers ended each 
stroke with a song, and thus gave warning to 
the others to strike again ; and so the canoes sped 
over the waves with marvellous swiftness. Neither 
were these canoes unfurnished with warlike muni- 
tions. They had each of them at least one small 
cast piece, about a yard in length, mounted upon 
a stock which was set upright; besides which, 
every man except the rowers had his sword, target 



I yS DRAKE : 

and dagger, and some of them other weapons, such 
as lances, bows, arrows, and many darts." 

When this formidable array reached the '' Golden 
Hind," the barges slowly rowed completely around 
her, one behind the other ; and as they glided along, 
the dark-featured and white-bearded nobles arose 
from their seats, with solemn countenances, and 
bowed almost down to the seats. Presently one 
of the canoes stopped, and Drake's messenger 
mounted from it on board the ship. He ad- 
vanced to Drake, who was standing on deck at- 
tired in his best suit, and surrounded by his chief 
officers, and said that he had been told to an- 
nounce that the King of Terenate was at hand. 
At this moment, the royal barge was seen fast ap- 
proaching. Surrounding the royal personage was 
a group of his highest nobles, more conspicuously 
dressed than those who had come before. 

Drake observed the king with great curiosity. 
When he arose in his barge to salute the strangers, 
he appeared very tall and quite corpulent, but 
strong and compact of body. His face wore a dig- 
nified yet gracious expression ; his heavy beard 
flowed far down on his breast. The English- 
men noticed that when he rose, all the rest of 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 79 

the occupants of the barge kneeled down, and re- 
mained in that posture until the king had resumed 
his seat. 

As the royal barge came alongside the " Golden 
Hind," it was welcomed by quickly succeeding vol- 
leys from the cannon, and the loud blowing of 
trumpets and clamor of cymbals, while .the little 
band of musicians on the deck struck up some 
lively airs. The dusky monarch, as soon as he 
heard the music, bent over with a pleased expres- 
sion, and listened attentively till the band ceased. 
Then he manifested his delight by grimaces and 
the clapping of his hands ; and begged that the 
musicians might come nearer. So they got into 
a small boat, and going to the royal barge, joined 
it : and then, rowing round the ship, at the same 
time towing the barge behind them, the musicians 
continued to play their choicest airs, to the amuse- 
ment and delight of all the assembled natives. 
When this gay performance was over, the king 
gave Drake to understand that, with the barges and 
canoes, he would tow the " Golden Hind " into a 
better anchorage, nearer the shore of the island. 
Drake assenting, the boats were attached to the 
ship, and slowly guided her into a little bay, where 



i8o drake: 

she could come to anchor in good shelter and amid 
pleasant surroundings. 

The king and his courtiers and soldiers now 
bade the Englishmen adieu with many friendly 
demonstrations, the dusky monarch promising to 
return on the morrow and to go on board the 
"Golden. Hind." Meanwhile Drake and his com- 
rades seized the opportunity to replenish their sup- 
ply of provisions by trading with the natives, who 
now gathered along the shore with such products 
as they had to sell. They brought a large quan- 
tity of rice (the favorite food with the dwellers 
in those climes), hens, sugar-cane, sugar, figs, co- 
coanuts, plantains, cloves, and sago meal. All these 
things were most welcome to the voyagers, who 
found that the natives were equally pleased with 
the cloth and trinkets which they were offered in 
exchange. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 



i8i 




CHAPTER XII. 

DRAKE IN THE ASIATIC SEAS. 

T the appointed time on the following day, 
Drake was on the look-out for his royal 
guest. Much to his surprise, the king 
failed to make his appearance. After waiting a 
long time, Drake saw a canoe approaching. It 
proved to contain, not the king, but his brother. 
This worthy, on coming alongside, made an apol- 
ogy for the king's failure to keep his promise, and 
on the king's part entreated Drake to go ashore 
and visit him instead. For the first time, Drake 
began to suspect that the ruler of Terenate might 
not be as friendly to the Englishmen as he had 
appeared. He prudently refused to accept the 
king's invitation; but, unwilling to needlessly 
offend him, he sent several of his officers ashore 
with a kind message. The officers landed, and, 
guided by the king's brother, soon came in sight 
of the large but rudely constructed building which 
served as the royal palace. They were soon met 
by some of the nobles, who conducted them to the 



1 82 drake: 

palace, around which they perceived, with some 
misgivings, a large multitude of the natives assem- 
bled. But the natives manifested no disposition 
to harm them ; and they soon lost their appre- 
hension when they saw with what deference and 
distinction they were welcomed by the swarthy 
multitude. 

On coming near the rude palace, they observed 
that it was built in the form of a square, the sides 
being open, and the roof supported by many 
slender reeds. Around about the courtyard were 
ranged seats ; and at one side stood the royal 
chair of state, with a canopy of brilliantly-colored 
cloth overhanging it. Within the space between 
the seats was gathered a stately array of the chief 
men of Terenate. The king's councillors, in their 
long, white cloaks, were grouped in the centre of 
the square ; in the background, a large company of 
young men of noble rank, " comely in person and 
attire," were gathered ; while just outside, by the 
4 entrance, stood four old men, with long-flowing 
white beards, wearing red gowns which swept the 
ground, and having capacious turbans on their 
heads. These proved to be foreign merchants, 
who had come to Terenate for the purposes of 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 83 

trade. Besides these groups, the Englishmen saw, 
in the crowd, several Turks, an Italian, and a 
Spaniard who had escaped from the Portuguese, 
and was now serving in the army of the swarthy 
king. 

Scarcely had they time to notice these things, 
when the king himself, attended by eight or ten 
of his courtiers, and walking beneath a rich 
canopy embossed with gold, entered the building. 
The Englishmen made him a low obeisance, which 
he returned with a pleasant smile, taking his seat 
on the chair of state. The monarch was " of low 
voice, temperate in speech, of kingly demeanor, 
and a Moor by nation." His guests observed that 
his attire was far more sumptuous than that of 
any of his court ; " from the waist to the ground 
was all cloth of gold, very rich ; his legs were 
bare, but on his feet were red leather shoes ; in 
the gear of his head were wreathed divers rings 
of plated gold, an inch or more in breadth, which 
made a fair and princely show, somewhat resem- 
bling a crown in form. About his neck he had a 
chain of perfect gold ; the links were large, and 
one fold double. On his left hand were a diamond, 
an emerald, a ruby, and a turquoise — four very 



184 DRAKE : 

fair and perfect jewels ; on his right hand, in one 
ring, a very large turquoise, and in another ring 
many diamonds of a smaller size. As he thus sat 
in his chair of state, a page stood at his right hand 
with a costly fan, richly embroidered with sap- 
phires, with which, it being very hot, he fanned 
and thus refreshed the king." 

Drake's messengers approached the potentate 
and delivered their message ; and they soon per- 
ceived that the king either did not wish or did not 
dare to molest them. He received them with a 
smile, and replied graciously to the message with 
which they had been entrusted. 

They then retired from the royal presence, and 
were regaled in homely but cordial fashion by 
some of the chief men. Before taking their de- 
parture from the castle, they were able to observe 
it closely. They saw that it was not strongly de- 
fended, having but two small cannon, v/hich the 
islanders had taken from the Portuguese; nor 
were these mounted for use. They learned that 
this building had been erected by the Portu- 
guese when they had possession of the island. It 
appeared that the Portuguese had conquered the 
island some years before, by a ferocious assault, in 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 85 

which many of the chief nobles had been slaugh- 
tered, and many houses destroyed. The king, the 
father of the reigning monarch, had been mur- 
dered ; and the Portuguese had lorded it over the 
conquered race with cruel tyranny. The princes 
had been made prisoners, and had been in like man- 
ner doomed to death. But the natives rose in their 
wrath one day, and drove the tyrants from their 
soil. In this revolt they were joined by swarms of 
natives from the many islands round about, which 
were under the dominion of the King of Terenate. 
The Portuguese had been taken so completely by 
surprise that they had fled precipitately, leaving 
their goods, ammunition, and other effects behind 
them. They had landed at the large neighboring 
island of Tidore, where they still were at the time 
of Drake's visit. The King of Terenate now ruled 
over nearly a hundred islands in these seas, and 
was at this very moment preparing an expedition 
against the Portuguese in Tidore. 

The Englishmen noted with curiosity that the 
islanders were Mohammedans, and were very ab- 
stemious in their habits. They often passed the 
entire day without eating a morsel ; making up for 
this fast by taking three hearty meals during the 
night. 



I 86 drake: 

Several days after the return of this embassy to 
the " Golden Hind," a boat came from the island 
to the ship, bringing in it a man who expressed a 
very ardent desire to talk with the commander. 
Permission was at once given to the new-comer to 
mount on board the ''Golden Hind." Drake, who 
had, of course, expected to see only the ordinary 
islander, was greatly surprised to behold, bending 
before him in graceful salutation, a tall, dignified 
personage, whose European dress and courtly bear- 
ing showed not the faintest kinship to the people 
of Terenate. 

Indeed, the stranger's yellow skin, long, narrow 
almond-shaped eyes, and gleaming white teeth, as" 
well as his more cultivated and stately manners, 
proved him to be of quite a different race and , 
clime from the swarthy denizens of these Southern 
seas. This striking person had brought with him 
several richly-apparelled attendants, and an inter- 
preter who, strange to say, could speak and under- 
stand English. Drake begged his visitor to sit 
beside him on the deck, which the stranger at 
once acceded to with much ease of manner. He 
then proceeded to tell an interesting story of him- 
self, through his interpreter. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 8/ 

It seemed that he was in reality a Chinaman, of 
princely rank and blood. Hq was a relative of the 
Chinese king Bonog. Not long before, he had 
committed a crime which, in China, was punishable 
with death. But his relative, the king, took pity 
on him, and told him that his life would be spared 
on one condition. He m.ust depart from China 
without delay, and should travel far and wide. If, 
in his travels, he should gather any valuable intel- 
ligence of which the king had never before heard, 
and should return and impart it to the king, he 
should receive a full pardon for his offence. But 
if he again set foot in China without fulfilling this 
condition, his life would be at once forfeited. 

The Chinaman added that he had heard from 
the people in Terenate of Drake's arrival, and of 
his wonderful voyage across the vast seas ; and 
that, if he could carry back an account of this 
voyage to the King of China, he was sure the news 
would be of sufficient novelty and importance to 
secure his liberty. 

Drake was amused at the seriousness and so- 
lemnity of his almond-eyed guest ; and being con- 
vinced of his entire sincerity, willingly complied 
with his desire. As the commander described his 



1 88 drake: 

many adventures, mishaps and discoveries, his 
perils of shipwreck, his captures of treasure, his in- 
tercourse with the barbarous natives of many and 
strange lands, his fights with the Spaniards, the 
Chinaman listened with eyes and mouth wide open ; 
every now and then lifting his hands, and making 
an exclamation of amazement. He had never 
heard so thrilling a story of the sea ; and when 
Drake told him, moreover, of the might and power 
of England and the greatness of Queen Elizabeth, 
the Chinaman eagerly expressed his admiration. 
Every word which fell from Drake's lips evidently 
impressed itself upon the Chinaman's mind. When 
the tale was done, he clapped his hands, and ex- 
claimed with delight that it was so new and so 
wonderful, that he was sure, by relating it to 
his king, of receiving a prompt pardon for his 
cri'me. 

The Chinaman now looked upon Drake with 
awe as the greatest hero he had ever seen, and 
began to urge him to visit China before returning 
home. He told Drake how ancient, powerful and 
wealthy the vast realm of China was ; of how many 
great provinces and swarming cities it could boast : 
of its magnificent temples and its mighty arma- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 89 

ments. He described the guns and cannon of 
which the Chinese were possessed, and how they 
had used brass cannon there for at least two thou- 
sand years, so exact in their aim that they would 
hit a small coin at a long distance. The China- 
man offered to go with Drake and conduct him to 
the king, and show him all the marvels of his rich 
and populous empire. 

Drake was at first much tempted to yield to his 
visitor's entreaties. He had heard of the vast 
wealth and civilization of the Chinese, and he 
knew that to carry to England an account of 
his visit there would give him increased honor 
and fame. But, on second thoughts, he decided 
that he must resist the alluring prospect. He had 
already been away from home many months. He 
had accomplished his audacious purpose of sailing 
an English ship in the Pacific, and of encountering 
the hated Spaniards in waters they had long boast- 
ed as exclusively their own. His ship bore a 
goodly treasure ; and he had successfully overcome 
every obstacle, so far, to his passage completely 
around the globe. His companions, too, were be- 
ginning to sigh for the rest and comfort of home. 
They longed once more to behold their families 



igO DRAKE : 

and friends, and to enjoy at ease the gains they 
had secured. 

The Chinaman, therefore, was obliged to take 
leave of Drake with a somewhat disappointed 
heart. But he went off rejoicing that at least the 
story of Drake's adventures would secure him a 
safe return to China. 

Having supplied the '' Golden Hind " with fresh 
stores of provisions, Drake at last set sail from 
the harbor of Terenate on the 9th of November. 
That harbor had not proved a suitable one for 
making the repairs which the ship now sorely 
needed. So Drake proceeded in search of an unin- 
habited island, where he might anchor and com- 
plete his repairs without fear of disturbance. A 
few days' sail brought him to just such an island 
as he was seeking. 

Here the men went on shore and pitched their 
tents, intrenching them so that they might be se- 
cure from a surprise, for they had espied a number 
of suspicious-looking natives on a larger island, a 
short distance off. The cargo of the " Golden 
Hind " was taken out and deposited in the tents, 
and a smith's forge was set up near the shore. As 
the coal they had brought with them had long be- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. IQI 

fore been exhausted, they were forced to use char- 
coal for the forge. While the hulk of the ship was 
being repaired, the large casks which were used to 
hold the fresh water, were taken on shore and 
strongly re-hooped. Some of the men resorted to 
a neighboring island for a supply of water, and the 
casks having been repaired, were restored to the 
ship and filled. 

The island proved to be so pleasant, and the rest 
afforded by being on shore was so grateful, that 
Drake could not find it in his heart to hurry his 
weary companions away to sea again. Hence, 
the adventurers remained some days upon the 
island ; and wandering freely over its fields and 
amid its smiling valleys, they saw many things 
which interested them, and acquired new vigor and 
spirits for their rough homeward voyage. The 
island was covered with noble forests, amid whose 
branches, in the dark night, the Englishmen were 
surprised to see myriads of fire-flies gleaming and 
flashing. They also saw — what was quite strange 
to them — many large bats, which, one of them says, 
"were as big as hens, and flew with marvellous 
swiftness. But their flight was very short ; and 
when they lit, they hung only by the bows, with 
their backs dowoiward." 



192 DRAKE : 

They also found a species of enormous land 
crabs, which proved very nice to the taste, **one 
of which was sufficient to satisfy four hungry men 
at a dinner. They are utter strangers to the sea, 
living always on the land, where they dig huge 
caves under the roots of big trees, and lodge them- 
selves there together in companies." Several 
weeks spent on this lovely island served to restore 
health, vigor, and spirits to the weather-beaten 
voyagers; and on Dec. 12 Drake seized advantage 
of a favorable breeze, and once more set out on his 
westward course. Often the " Golden Hind "> 
became so entangled in the many islands and 
treacherous shoals, that she was forced to put in 
at such convenient harbors as she found. " In all 
our passage from England," says one of the voy- 
agers, " we never had more trouble in keeping 
ourselves afloat, and from sticking on the shoals." 

At last, it seemed as if they had emerged from 
this perilous labyrinth, and a good wind sped them 
southwestward ; when, one night, while the " Gold- 
en Hind" was gliding under full sails, suddenly 
the men on board felt a violent shock and shiver. 
All hands were on deck in a moment. Drake at 
once perceived that his good ship had struck on a 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 93 

jagged shelving rock. It seemed as if they were 
doomed to an immediate shipwreck. The lanterns 
betrayed that the ship was in a most dangerous 
position : it seemed quite impossible that she could 
ever be got off the reef. The crew were in terror 
and despair, and with one accord fell on their 
knees on the deck, and began to pray fervently ; 
expecting every moment that the " Golden Hind " 
would go to pieces, and that they would find 
themselves struggling amid the angry breakers. 

Drake, however, kept up a stout heart. Instead 
of bewailing what seemed the impending doom, 
he coolly gave orders here and there, and himself 
went from end to end of the vessel, to judge of her 
situation as accurately as possible. 

"To the pumps, my men," he cried, cheerily, 
" to the pumps ! " 

The men sprang to obey the order with a will. 
They perceived, with reviving hope, that as yet the 
ship showed no signs of breaking up. As they 
plied the pumps with desperate vigor, Drake went 
below to see if any dangerous leaks had been 
sprung by the collision. Returning to the deck 
with a light step, he shouted, 

" Courage, men ! There is no leak ; we may yet 
be saved !" 



194 DRAKE : 

He then passed along to the stern, and climbed 
over into one of the boats which had just been 
lowered. Proceeding a little way from the ship, 
he began to take soundings ; so that, if an anchor 
could be fixed, the ship might be gradually drawn 
from the rock. But a few yards off he found, 
much to his disappointment, that he could not 
touch bottom, and that there was no chance to 
fasten an anchor. He was forced to return to 
the ship and to await the coming of daylight. 
The night passed in miserable anxiety. Every 
lurch, every gale of wind, seemed about to prove 
the destruction of all on board. The men watched 
and prayed, and more than once gave themselves 
up to despairing lamentations. 

Drake kept his post with grim and silent cour- 
age. He never allowed a word or sound of fear 
or grief to escape him. He never lost hope. As 
the long hours dragged their weary length, he 
waited patiently for the dawn. At last — it 
seemed a month — the dim gray light spread over 
the scene, and soon glowed with the yellow tinge 
of the rising sun. Just now the tide was ebbing 
fast, and the ship was left in only six feet of water ; 
while, so heavily was she laden, that it required 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 95 

at least thirteen feet to float her. It seemed 
that nothing could save her ; that as soon as the 
waters had fully receded, she must topple over and 
be dashed to splinters. But at this critical junc- 
ture, the elements themselves came to the rescue 
of the imperilled voyagers. A stiff and steady 
breeze came up and blew strongly against that 
side of the ship towards which she would other- 
wise have lurched over; and this breeze, never 
once slackening, held her upright in her position 
on the rock. A second search for a bottom on 
which to drag the anchor proved as unavailing as 
the first. 

Drake now summoned his men in a group on 
deck. Calling the chaplain, he asked him to offer 
up an earnest prayer for their safety. When the 
men rose from this act of devotion, Drake said : 

" Now my men, one last, mighty effort to save 
ourselves ! Go some of you to the hold ; take some 
of the bags of meal, and overboard with them. 
Others of you, unfasten the guns, and pitch them 
into the sea. Yet others, take our store of cloves, 
and give them to the fishes." 

No sooner was the order given than the men 
obeyed. Over went the bags of meal, eight of the 



196 DRAKE : 

cannon, and three tons of cloves. But even this 
lightening of the cargo did not avail. The ship 
stuck fast. But, happily, no leak was yet sprung. 
Drake had now to decide whether he would aban- 
don the " Golden Hind " to her fate, and, taking 
to the boats with his companions, trust to the 
dangers of the sea and of savages, or stay by 
her to the last. He sternly resolved that it was 
better to perish where they were, than to run the 
risk of such miseries as would surely await them 
if they took to the boats. To stay by the ship was 
not only to risk destruction by drowning, but death 
by starvation ; for the sacrifice of the meal had 
sadly reduced their store of provisions, and they 
could not hope to live many days upon what was 
left. 

When they were in the most bitter despair, sud- 
denly an event occurred which effected their deliver- 
ance. The " Golden Hind " had stuck in the cleft of 
a rock, on her larboard side. Just as the tide had 
gone out, the gale which held her upright fell to 
almost a dead calm. The ship being no longer 
held up by the wind, gave a heave, and reeled over 
to her side. At this moment, when she appeared 
on the very point of going to pieces, the voyagers, 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. I97 

to their amazement and unutterable joy, found that 
she was floating quietly in deep water ! 

The shock of lurching over had loosened her 
keel, and she had slipped out of the cleft into the 
depths just beyond, in the nick of time to save her 
from utter shipwreck. Although they had escaped 
this terrible danger, and were able to proceed once 
more on their way, the voyagers were not yet done 
with the perils of the sea. For nearly a month 
they continued to be tossed about amid shoals and 
reefs, and to these dangers were added those of 
the violent storms which, every few days, assailed 
them. At last, however, they were relieved to find 
themselves beyond this entangled region ; and it 
was with great delight that they anchored at the 
beautiful and fruitful island of Booton. There 
Drake and his companions were regaled with lem- 
ons, cucumbers and cocoanuts, and were able to 
put in stores of ginger, pepper, nutmegs and sago. 
They found the inhabitants of the island very mild 
and friendly, " of handsome body and comely stat- 
ure, of civil demeanor, very just in their dealings, 
and courteous to strangers." It was very refresh- 
ing to find such a place and such a people, after 
the hardships through which they had passed. 



I 98 DRAKE : 

These natives appeared very glad to see the Eng- 
lishmen, and cheerfully ready to relieve all their 
needs and make them comfortable. The men 
went naked, except that they wore a band, or belt, 
about the middle, and a covering on the head ; 
while one and all wore some kind of ear-ring. As 
for the women, they wore a sort of a gown from 
their waists to the ground, and on their naked 
arms they displayed curious bracelets of bone, horn, 
and brass. Some of the women had as many as 
nine bracelets on each arm. 

It was while the " Golden Hind " was in this re- 
gion that Drake had to perform a painful but nec- 
essary task. The chaplain of the ship, Francis 
Fletcher, had been guilty of several serious of- 
fences, and had betrayed a malicious ill-feeling 
against his commander. Drake, resolved to main- 
tain discipline, even in the case of a clergyman, 
one morning summoned Fletcher before him. He 
ordered the chaplain to be fastened by one of his 
legs to a staple in the hatches of the forecastle. 
Then he summoned the entire crew, who gathered 
around with wondering eyes. Sitting on a chest 
with his legs crossed, Drake pointed to Fletcher 
in his humiliating position, and declared to his 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 1 99 

company, that he was about to excommunicate the 
chaplain. Then, addressing Fletcher in a solemn 
voice, Drake said, " Francis Fletcher, I do here 
excommunicate thee out of the Church of God, 
and from all the benefits and graces thereof ; and 
I do denounce thee to the devil and all his angels. 
I charge thee, on pain of death, not to come before 
the mast ; for if thou dost, thou shalt be hanged." 

Drake then caused a small label to be fastened 
to Fletcher's right arm, on which were written these 
stinging words : 

** Francis Fletcher, the falsest knave that liv- 
eth." 

Fletcher, with pale face and drooping head, was 
then led away. 



200 DRAKE : 



CHAPTER XIII. 

AROUND THE GLOBE. 




FTER leaving Booton, where the advent- 
urers had met with so pleasant a wel- 
come, and had so fully refreshed them- 
selves, the "Golden Hind," on the 12th of March, 
came in sight of the great island of Java, then, as 
now, noted for its beauty and fertility, the mild- 
ness of its climate, and the bounty of its produc- 
tions. She anchored in the harbor of what ap- 
peared to be a very thriving and prosperous native 
town ; and there took in water, and sent a boat 
ashore to find out if the people were disposed to 
traffic with the new-comers. The next morning, 
finding that the natives, like those of Booton, 
were amiably disposed, and quite willing to enter 
into friendly relations with the English, Drake 
paved the way for this by sending to the ruling 
prince a liberal present of silk, linen and woollen 
fabrics. The prince promptly responded by re- 
turning a boatful of rice, cocoanuts, and fowl, which 
proved most welcome. On the day after, em- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 201 

boldened by the prince's evident good will, Drake 
himself ventured on shore with his little band of 
musicians, and a picked company of his men. He 
proceeded to the prince's house, and being cordially 
greeted, caused his musicians to play some lively 
airs. With this the natives, who gathered around 
to listen, were greatly delighted ; and were still 
more so, when Drake ordered his soldiers to show 
off their skill with their swords, pikes, and bows. 

It appeared that the entire island was under the 
dominion of one king, but that it was divided into 
four provinces, which were governed by princes or 
rajahs, each of whom was independent of the others. 
Strange to say, these four princes, so far from 
always quarrelling and making war upon each 
other, as semi-barbarous potentates elsewhere did, 
lived on terms of entire mutual peace and friend- 
ship. They never encroached upon each other's 
rights, but often visited on the most cordial terms, 
and when attacked from without, eagerly joined 
their armies to repel the invasion. 

These princes soon heard of Drake's arrival ; 
and a few days after, three of them came on board 
the '* Golden Hind," bringing provisions and other 
presents, and examining with much curiosity the 



202 DRAKE : 

Structure of the ship, and its means of defence. 
They announced to Drake that Raia Donan, the 
king of the whole island, their common master, 
would soon come to see him ; and Drake made 
preparations to receive this chief potentate with 
all the honors due to his importance. Meanwhile, 
not a day passed that the three princes did not 
make their appearance on the " Golden Hind," 
where they were lavishly entertained with the best 
that the good ship afforded. 

The great king, Raia Donan, at last arrived, 
attended by a numerous escort, and followed by his 
three subject princes. He proceeded to the ship 
in a handsome barge ; and when he ascended, with 
his company, to the deck, Drake invited him to a 
seat in the middle of the ship. There he sat, sur- 
rounded by his princes and courtiers, while Drake , 
ordered the musicians to discourse English music 
for his royal guests' amusement. The king was a 
venerable, mild-featured man, with a flowing white 
beard, and an enormous white turban on his head. 
When the musicians had finished, the king and 
princes manifested their pleasure by many viva- 
cious signs ; then the king ordered his own musi- 
cians, who had come with him on board, to strike 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 203 

up. They made such weird, unheard-of sounds, 
that the Englishmen were very much diverted. 
" It was a music of a very strange kind," says one 
of them, " yet the sound was pleasant and delight- 
ful." After these recreations, the king caused a 
huge ox to be brought, which he presented to 
Drake, who acknowledged the gift with a present 
of costly silks. 

Drake then led the king through every part of 
the "Golden Hind." He showed him where and 
how the provisions and treasures were stored, his 
armory of weapons, his cannon and the way in 
which they were managed, the musical instruments, 
and all the trappings and conveniences of the 
cabins. 

After the departure of Raia Donan and his ret- 
inue, the men went to work with a will, trimming 
and washing the ship. Meanwhile, the traffic with 
the natives went prosperously on. An abundance 
of fowl, cocoanuts, plantains, goats, and other 
victuals, was laid in, and plenty of fresh water sup- 
plied to the casks. Drake found the people, as well 
as the rulers of Java, very pleasing and attractive. 
They were evidently of affectionate, frank, and 
honest dispositions ; at the same time they were 



204 DRAKE : 

Stalwart in figure, bold and warlike in temper, and 
intelligent far beyond the natives of the islands he 
had hitherto visited. Their principal weapons and 
armor were swords, daggers, and bucklers ; their 
swords, especially, being very skilfully tempered, 
with finely adorned handles. The Javans went 
naked to their middles, whence flowed to their feet 
a brightly-colored silk gown. 

They had one custom which inspired Drake's ad- 
miration. In each of the villages there stood a 
kind of public hall, where all the inhabitants were 
wont to meet twice every day, and take their meals 
in common. These daily feasts were full of gay 
good cheer; the people chatting vivaciously as 
they ate, and acting towards each other in the 
most familiar and friendly way. Each one con- 
tributed something — either fruit, or rice, or roast 
fowl, or cocoanuts — to the common table ; which, 
raised about three feet from the ground, was 
always crowded with a merry company. 

*' They boiled their rice," says one of the voy- 
agers, *' in an earthern pot, made in the form of a 
sugar loaf, being full of holes like the pots with 
which we water our gardens. It was open at the 
larger end, and they put their rice in it dry. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 205 

Meanwhile, they had ready another great earthen 
pot, set fast in a furnace, full of boiling water, in 
which they put their pot of rice, so that the rice, 
swelling, became soft at first, and by swelling 
stopped the holes in the pot, and allowed no more 
water to enter. The more it was boiled, the harder 
and firmer in substance it became ; so that in the 
end it was a good and firm bread, of which with 
oil, butter, sugar, and other spices, they made 
divers sorts of dishes very pleasant of taste and 
nourishing to nature." 

Departing from Java, Drake made straight for 
the Cape of Good Hope ; and reached that point 
on the 15th of June, having touched at no place, 
and met with no mishap on the way. He had 
always heard of the terrible dangers which threat- 
ened the ships which doubled the Cape. The 
Portuguese had pictured them in the darkest colors, 
in order to deter rival fleets from attempting the 
task. But Drake disdained their tales, as much as 
he had done the warnings of the Spanish as to the 
Straits of Magellan. On approaching the Cape, 
he put forth all his skill as a hardy and veteran 
navigator; and although the weather was most 
tempestuous at times, on the day that the " Golden 



206 DRAKE : 

Hind " rounded the cape the sea was smooth and 
the sky bright. *' It was," the adventurers declared, 
" the most stately thing and the goodliest Cape 
seen in the circumference of the whole earth ; " 
and proved to them that in their description of its 
perils the Portuguese were " most false." 

Drake resisted the temptation to put in near the 
Cape of Good Hope. Happily, the provisions and 
water stored at Java held out well ; and the little 
ship, tempest-tossed as she was, stood the stress of 
the voyage most sturdily. Without pausing on 
the South African coast, Drake steered his course 
directly for Sierra Leone, off the coast of Guinea ; 
a region with which he had long been familiar. 
Casting anchor there at the wide mouth of a river, 
the men landed to procure water and fish food. 
They found, to their delight, a prodigious abun- 
dance of delicious oysters, upon which they feasted 
with eager relish. In the valley, too, they gathered 
a quantity of lemons, which, after their long sea 
voyage, proved most grateful and refreshing. 

Setting out from Sierra Leone about the first of 
August, the " Golden Hind " made good speed and 
prosperous way to the Canary Islands, which was 
her next halting place. The weather-worn advent- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 20/ 

urers began to feel that they were at last nearing 
old England ; and, as they sailed northward, grew 
more and more impatient to reach their final 
destination. They no longer wished to linger in 
the havens and on the islands where they put in : 
and their stay at the Canary Islands was very brief. 
Proceeding thence on the 22d of August, the 
*' Golden Hind," amid fair weather and favorable 
breezes, ploughed on northward. Soon the northern 
edge of Africa was passed ; the sunny hills of 
Spain appeared and faded in the distance ; the 
boisterous Bay of Biscay was safely crossed ; and 
then the gray chalk-cliffs of England appeared in 
sight. 

It was on the early morning of the 26th of Sep- 
tember, 1580, that the " Golden Hind," after a voy- 
age extending over nearly three years, swung into 
that same Plymouth harbor, whence she had set 
out. The voyagers thought that the day of their 
arrival was a Sunday, and were at first much sur- 
prised to find that it was really Monday. Drake 
called to mind that the same mystery as to the day 
had occurred to Magellan's crew, on their return 
from the first voyage around the world. As yet, 
men had not discovered the reason of the loss of 



208 DRAKE : 

twenty-four hours in sailing westward through the 
entire circumference of the earth. 

It may well be imagined that the arrival of the 
heroic Drake and his fellow-adventurers was wel- 
comed with great joy and enthusiasm throughout 
England. He was now the most famous of living 
English navigators. The tale of his exploits, 
perils, and discoveries thrilled the heart of a people 
proud of their prowess and seamanship. He had, 
the first Englishman, encompassed the entire globe. 
He had defied danger in almost everj^ form. He 
had dealt terrible blows upon the Spanish foes of 
his native land. He had seen many strange 
places and peoples. He had made numerous im- 
portant discoveries. He had brought home ample 
and precious treasure. He had returned rich, a 
conqueror, and an illustrious pioneer. 

No sooner was the " Golden Hind " moored in 
the roadstead of Plymouth, than the first thought 
of the voyagers was to render up their gratitude in 
prayer to God. They were thankful to God, as 
one of them says, ** for seeing His wonders in the 
deep, discovering so many admirable things, going 
through so many strange adventures, escaping out 
of so many dangers, and overcoming so many diffi- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 209 

culties in thus our encompassing of this nether 
globe, and passing round about the world." 

It is no wonder that noisy crowds welcomed them 
with cheers and greetings as they at last set foot 
again on English soil. The cannon boomed from 
all the ships which were clustered in the harbor ; 
and the flags and pennons floated joyously at their 
mast-heads. The weather-beaten men scattered 
speedily to their homes ; and Drake once more em- 
braced his family and friends. 

He did not, however, linger long at Plymouth. 
The news of his coming had quickly spread, and 
had reached London and the royal court. Every- 
where the rejoicings were great and enthusiastic, 
and nowhere more so than among the chief ad- 
visers of Queen Elizabeth. Drake went to Lon- 
don, and was at once surrounded by a host of 
admirers. Great nobles and haughty courtiers 
honored him, and lavished their praises upon him. 
Everywhere he went, he was cheered, pointed out, 
and stared at as the hero of the voyage around the 
world. Poets wrote odes in celebration of his 
achievements, and he tasted all the sweets of high 
renown. 

There were some, however, who, even amid all 



210 drake: 

this chorus of adulation, murmured against the 
way in which Drake had acquired his treasure-s, 
and denounced him, though not very loudly, as 
nothing better than a pirate. This was perfectly 
true ; his career had been that of a ruthless corsair 
and buccaneer. He had seized gold and appro- 
priated it purely by reason of superior force. But 
in those days such acts were not sternly censured. 
People thought rather of the glory and power which 
Drake had won for England, than of the piratical 
means he had employed to amass wealth. Nor 
were they sorry that he should have robbed the 
ships, and taken to himself the golden gains, of the 
detested Spaniards. 

It was not long after Drake's arrival in London 
that he was received at the royal court. Eliza- 
beth welcomed him with warm words of praise, and 
listened with deep interest to his bluntly-spoken 
tale. But at first the maiden queen was reluctant 
to bestow upon the tough old navigator the honors 
which his countrymen thought he deserved. She 
had been inclined to listen to the few courtiers 
who looked upon him as a pirate. Besides, with 
her usual caution, she feared that an open token 
of her favor would at once bring about a war with 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 211 

Spain. This she wished if possible to avoid, and at 
all events she was not yet prepared for such a con- 
flict. The Spanish king, indeed, was already clamor- 
ing with angry words against the way in which Drake 
had robbed and destroyed his ships on the South 
American coast. It was necessary for Elizabeth 
to play a sly game ; to pretend that she disapproved 
of Drake's conduct, until all was ready to meet 
Spain in battle on equal terms. She therefore 
ordered that the treasure he had brought home 
should be seized by her officers, and kept until the 
time came when it might be safely restored to its 
captors. 

In a few months after the arrival of the 
** Golden Hind," the queen resolved that she would 
no longer defer paying Drake the tribute which 
she believed to be his due. The " Golden Hind '* 
had now been brought round to Deptford, and 
moored in a safe anchorage in a creek. One morn- 
ing, the queen sent word to Drake that she would 
ere long pay him a visit in state on board his ship. 
Drake was filled with proud delight at this an- 
nouncement. Though himself a plain, rough man, 
he was exceedingly fond of show. He liked to see 
and take part in magnificent displays. Accord- 



212 drake: 

ingly, he caused every lavish preparation to be 
made for the worthy reception of the queen on the 
"Golden Hind." The storm-tossed little ship was 
repaired, polished up, and rigged out with every 
device which her commander could invent. A 
splendid banquet, with every ornament and pal- 
atable luxury which wealth could command, was 
got ready ; and Drake himself procured a rich new 
velvet suit, in which to appear before the sovereign 
as her host. 

On the appointed day — the 14th of April — 
Elizabeth set out with a gorgeous cortege from 
London for Deptford. As she progressed through 
the smiling country, just arrayed in its bright ap- 
parel of spring, vast concourses of people, cluster- 
ing by the roadside, greeted her with their loyal 
applause. At one place, as the royal cavalcade 
was crossing an ancient bridge, so great was the 
crowd that, a moment after the queen herself had 
reached the further side, the bridge suddenly gave 
way. In a moment there was a terrified confusion. 
Several hundred people had fallen into the stream 
below, and were frantically struggling to reach 
either shore. Fortunately, however, not a single 
person was drowned, nor did any receive so much 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 213 

as a serious hurt. Elizabeth said, with a smile, 
that this was all owing to Drake's good luck. 
* Drake received the queen with all due honor 
on board the ** Golden Hind," and led the way to 
the banquet table, where he sat by Elizabeth's side. 
Right cheerily did the company of courtiers and 
voyagers feast that day ; and many were the witty 
sayings and bursts of laughter which circled round 
the bounteous board. When all the good things 
had been fully enjoyed, and the half -empty dishes 
had been removed, the queen turned to Drake, and 
amid the silence of the company, thus addressed 
him : " Francis Drake, we entrusted a sword to thy 
keeping till we demanded it of thee again. We 
now command thee to deliver it up, in the manner 
in which thou didst receive it from our hands." 
^^ Drake rose from his chair, and unbuckling the 
sword (which he had always worn), and kneeling, 
held it out in its scabbard to the queen. 

Elizabeth took it, looked at it with keen eyes, and 
then slowly drew the weapon from the scabbard. 
Turning again to Drake and pointing to the sword, 
she said, — 

"This sword, Drake, might still serve thee 
though thou hast carried it around the globe. 



214 drake: 

But ere we return it to thee, it must render us a 
service." 

'' Taking a step backward, with head erect and 
her slight form drawn up to its full height, the 
queen slowly raised the sword. Drake was still 
kneeling, with uncovered head, at her feet. Gently 
and with solemn dignity she lightly tapped the 
sword on Drake's shoulder ; and in a clear voice, 
said, — 

**Rise, Sir Francis Drake." 
i At this, all the company loudly clapped their 
hands, and manifested their pleasure. Drake, with 
blushing features, rose, now a knight of England, 
and was at once surrounded by his delighted 
friends. 

♦ Having thus conferred a high and signal honor 
on her host. Queen Elizabeth soon after took her 
departure for London, while the new knight re* 
mained to join in the revels which that night were 
held on board the " Golden Hind.^' 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 21$ 



CHAPTER XIV. 

SEA-BATTLES IN THE WEST INDIES. 



ji^^|RAKE was now not only a man of rank, 
but rich, famous, with great influence over 
the men of his time, and immensely pop- 
ular with his countrymen. He had become one of 
the conspicuous figures of his age ; and henceforth 
his history was to be closely connected with that of 
England. Honors flowed upon him without stint. 
Queen Elizabeth ordered that the good ship 
*' Golden Hind " should be carefully preserved at 
Deptford as a relic of Drake's wonderful voyage ; 
and when, after the passage of years, the ship went 
to decay, she was broken up, and from her sound- 
est plank a chair was made, and deposited at the 
University of Oxford. There it is still to be seen. 
Long after, the poet Cowley thus celebrated the 
exploits of the historic craft : 

** The stars above will make thee known, 
If man were silent here ; 
The Sun himself cannot forget 
His fellow-traveller." 



2i6 drake: 

Many stories about Drake circulated from mouth 
to mouth through England. There were many ig- 
norant folks who attributed to the intrepid voyager 
the powers of magic. It was said that Drake had 
only circumnavigated the globe by the aid of mi- 
raculous arts. There was a story that Drake's wife 
(whom he had married before setting forth on his 
long voyage) at last despaired of his ever returning 
to England. She was young, wealthy, and child- 
less ; and, after many months had passed without 
a word of news from her sailor husband, she was 
said to have yielded her consent to a new suitor for 
her hand. The day of her wedding came ; and the 
supposed widow, arraying herself for the second 
time as a bride, repaired to church to be married 
to her new husband. But, as the story went, one 
of Drake's obedient sprites carried him the news : 
whereupon he loaded a cannon, and, firing straight 
through the earth, sent the ball whizzing through 
the church, just as the rites were about to begin. 

" That comes from Drake ! " cried the bride in 
alarm. 

" From Drake it cannot be," replied the groom. 

*' Yes," she replied ; *' and, as he lives, there rnust 
be neither troth nor ring between thee and me." 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 21/ 

Such powers did the superstition of the common 
people give to the great explorer, whose achieve- 
ments seemed to them quite as amazing as the 
supposed miracles of magic. 

Drake was destined to return home just in time 
to witness the outbreak of the long-delayed hos- 
tilities between England and Spain. His fate for- 
bade him rest, or the indolent enjoyment of his 
wealth. Very soon after the events narrated in 
the preceding chapter, Queen Elizabeth made a 
treaty with the Dutch, who had revolted against 
their Spanish rulers, and thus brought England 
into plainly hostile collision with King Philip. 
War could not now be far off ; and both nations 
began active preparations for the rapidly approach- 
ing struggle. 

It was Drake's fortune to take the lead in an 
expedition which turned out to be the first blow 
struck in the war. His prowess and seamanship 
had been amply proved, and the queen hastened to 
avail herself of his services. A fleet was speedily 
collected for the purpose of openly assailing the 
Spanish colonies in the American waters. Twenty- 
five good-sized ships, of which two were royal 
men-of-war, constituted the armament ; and these 



2i8 drake: 

were supplied with twenty-three hundred soldiers 
and sailors. Drake was appointed admiral of the 
fleet ; and under him were sea-warriors as noted as 
Martin Frobisher, Francis Knollys, and Christopher 
Carlile. When the fleet was about to set sail, the 
gallant Sir Philip Sidney, the most graceful, brave, 
and chivalrous cavalier of Queen Elizabeth's court, 
and a warm friend of Drake, became very eager to 
accompany it on its perilous venture. But Queen 
Elizabeth, as ever imperious and despotic, sternly 
forbade him, at the same time paying Sir Philip 
Sidney a splendid compliment. 

" I will not," she declared, " risk the loss of the 
jewel of my time." 

On the 14th of September, 1585, Drake's fleet 
set sail from the Thames, and at first pursued its 
course toward the coast of Spain. But Drake 
could find no pretext for making a direct attack 
upon Philip's kingdom, and soon turned southward, 
and sailed for the Cape de Verde islands. Arriving 
there, Drake lost no time in making an attack. 
Under cover of the night, he landed with one 
thousand men, took the town of St. Jago, and pro- 
ceeded to sack it. The booty obtained proved of 
little value. He advanced into the interior, where he 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 219 

Stormed and captured a large town. Now for the 
first time the Portuguese, who had held these 
towns, rallied and hung with a large force about 
the invaders. Drake caused St. Domingo to be 
burned, and then, returning with his men to the 
ships, set s^il without delay for the West Indies, 
which were his chief destination. 

The Atlantic was crossed without accident, and 
the fleet, keeping close together, at last approached 
the rich and populous Spanish settlement of St. 
Domingo, on the island of that name. Drake at 
once resolved that this should be his first point of 
attack upon the possessions of the arrogant power 
which was now defying England in Europe. An- 
choring his fleet off the town, he held a council of 
war with the captains on board the flag-ship. It 
was resolved that a large force should be landed 
under cover of the darkness on one side of the town, 
while the fleet approached near enough on the 
other to bombard it with their cannon. This plan 
was promptly put in execution. Just before dawn 
on New Year's day, 1586, several companies of 
soldiers took to the boats, and effected a landing 
without obstacle at a point ten miles west of St. 
Domingo. They quietly formed on the shore, and 



220 DRAKE : 

dividing into two battalions, advanced upon the 
town. Above it loomed the grim and well-guarded 
castle, bristling with its cannon, and supplied with 
a Spanish garrison. When they had come within 
a short distance, the English battalions separated, 
and made a rush for the two gates on that side. 
Before the garrison in the castle could be aroused, 
or its guns manned, the two gates had been burst 
open, and the English, swords in hand, were 
advancing rapidly to the heart of the town. 

Meanwhile the fleet drew near and opened its 
fire upon the castle from the other side. But as 
the event proved, the aid of the ships was not 
needed by the gallant English bands who had made 
the land assault. The two battalions joined each 
other in the market place ; and by this time a 
complete panic had seized the Spanish defenders 
of St. Domingo. They scampered out of the town 
as fast as their legs could carry them ; while the 
castle garrison, seeing the enemy entrenched and 
barricaded in the market place, made haste to 
abandon their post, and hurried away in boats to 
the other end of the island. The English in thp 
market place at once erected an impromptu fort, 
and made ready to repel an attack ; but none was 
made upon them. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 221 

The next day they were reinforced from the 
«hips, the admiral himself going ashore with a fresh 
company. The market place was converted into a 
fortress so strong, that the Spaniards decided that 
it was useless to attempt to recapture the town. 

Drake's purpose now was to secure a heavy ran- 
som from the Spaniards ; so, while he held the 
town in his iron grip, he sent to the Spanish camp 
outside to inform them of the terms upon which 
he would retire. The Spaniards for a long time 
refused to pay the ransom which he imperiously 
demanded. Then Drake ordered his men to plun- 
der the town, and after having collected all that 
they could find worth preserving, to set fire to its 
buildings. These were for the most part lofty and 
imposing edifices of stone ; and the work of destroy- 
ing them was a slow one. Finally the Spaniards, 
who saw with despair the gradual destruction of 
their proud little town proceeding day by day, 
yielded to Drake's severe demand. They sent 
him the ransom of twenty-five thousand ducats ; 
whereupon he withdrew his soldiers to the ships, 
and soon after took his departure. 

An anecdote of Drake's sojourn at St. Domingo, 
which strikingly shows the stern energy of his 



222 DRAKE : 

character, is thus told : " A negro boy, sent by 
Drake with a flag of truce to the leading people 
while the negotiation for ransom was going on, 
was met by some Spanish officers, who furiously 
struck at him, and afterward pierced him through 
with a horseman's spear. Dreadfully wounded as 
he was, the poor boy tried to crawl back to his 
master ; and, while relating the cruel treatment he 
had received, fell down and expired at Drake's feet. 
The insult offered to his flag of truce, and the bar- 
barous treatment of the lad, roused the admiral to 
the highest pitch of indignation. He commanded 
the provost-marshal, with a guard, to carry two un- 
fortunate monks, who had been made prisoners, to 
the place where his flag was violated, there to be 
hanged. Another prisoner shared the same fate : 
and a message was sent to the Spaniards, announ- 
cing that until the persons guilty of this breach of 
the law of nations were given up, two Spanish 
prisoners should suffer daily. The next day the 
offenders were sent in ; and to make their merited 
punishment the more ignominious and exemplary, 
their own countrymen were forced to become their 
executioners. " 

Sailing from St. Domingo, the fleet proceeded 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 223 

to another opulent Spanish settlement, the town of 
Cartagena. This place proved to be more strongly 
defended than St. Domingo. The Spanish com- 
mander, Alonzo Bravo, was a soldier of experience 
and desperate courage. He resolved to hold out 
against his assailants to the last. But the attack 
on the citadel in which Bravo was posted with his 
garrison was made, as at St. Domingo, both by 
land and water. On the land side. Captain Carlile 
led a stormy force against the ramparts of the 
doomed town ; while Drake brought the fleet close 
to the citadel in the harbor. The struggle was hot 
and long-continued. But the English proved too 
much for the defenders of the town. Carlile soon 
succeeded in effecting an entrance ; but Bravo so 
desperately stood his ground, that he only yielded 
when he found himself a prisoner. Drake took 
complete possession of the town, and quartered his 
soldiers in the best houses. These were plundered 
without compunction, while a portion of the town 
was ruthlessly burned. 

Meanwhile a calamity overtook the Englishmen 
which caused them to depart as suddenly from 
Cartagena as they had come. Many of the men 
were attacked by a dangerous fever, called the 



224 DRAKE : 

** calenture." It was a most violent distemper, 
which, at its height, plunged the victims into a 
furious delirium, in the midst of which they often ex- 
pired. When the fever left the sufferer, he became 
weak and idiotic, having lost his memory and often 
his reason. Day by day Drake saw his faithful 
followers dying of this fearful malady, and ere long 
its victims numbered several hundred. He there- 
fore greatly reduced the amount of the ransom he 
had demanded of the Spaniards ; and accepting 
eleven thousand ducats, made haste to depart from 
a place where so heavy a misfortune had befallen 
him. 

At first he thought of crossing the Gulf of 
Mexico and attacking Nombre de Dios, which he 
had pillaged years before. But he finally resolved 
to abandon this design,\.and to set sail for the 
Florida coast. Many Spanish settlements were 
now planted on this southernmost point of the 
North American shores, and presented a tempting 
object of attack. Drake soon reached the oldest 
of these settlements, at St. Augustine ; and he did 
not hesitate to sack and burn both this town and 
St. Helena. Then his fleet advanced northward 
along the coast as far as Virginia. Here Drake, to 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 225 

his great delight, discovered the survivors of the 
English colony, under Lane, which had been 
planted in Virginia by Ralegh the year before. 
He promptly rescued these unfortunate men, giving 
them comfortable quarters on his own ship. 

Drake's fleet returned to England in the mid- 
summer of 1586. He brought home with him, as 
prizes and treasures, no less than two hundred 
brass and forty iron cannon, captured from the 
Spaniards ; and at least three hundred thousand 
dollars in money. Of this large sum, which was 
then worth more than double what a similar sum 
would be worth in our own day, one third was 
divided among the common soldiers and sailors, 
and the rest among the superior officers of the 
fleet. 

The arrival home of Drake just at this time 
was especially fortunate for England and for him- 
self. He found both the court and the country in 
a great state of excitement and preparation. News 
had come that King Philip of Spain was getting 
ready a powerful fleet, with which to invade Eng- 
land and forever destroy her naval prowess. 
Queen Elizabeth was much disturbed at this intel- 
ligence ; and English pluck and patriotism were 



226 DRAKE : 

fully aroused in the determination to avert the im- 
pending blow of her arrogant enemy. The mer- 
chants of London had been among the first to take 
measures with this object in view. When Drake 
returned he found that these merchants had, at 
their own expense, purchased and completely fitted 
up a fleet of six vessels. This fleet was not, of 
course, equal to an encounter with Philip's great 
armament. It was intended merely to harass the 
Spaniards. Drake was promptly chosen as its 
commander ; and he thus no sooner found himself 
ashore once more, than he was called upon to 
undertake a fresh venture, more exciting and more 
perilous than that which he had just concluded. 

But he promptly accepted the new duty thus im- 
posed upon him. Queen Elizabeth added four 
ships to those equipped by the London merchants, 
and Drake thus set forth in command of a fleet of 
ten sturdy vessels. His first destination was the 
busy Spanish port of Cadiz. The voyage thither 
was so rapidly made, that the first hint which the 
Spaniards had of the sailing of the fleet, was its 
appearance off Cadiz harbor. Philip's great fleet 
was as yet in no condition for warfare, even in de- 
fence. Drake gallantly led his fleet straight in 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 22/ 

among the Spanish shipping in the harbor. Right 
and left he fiercely attacked not only the merchant- 
men, but the men-of-war which were waiting to 
take part in Philip's proposed invasion of England. 
The Spanish ships fought bravely and desperately ; 
but they had been taken by surprise, and could not 
cope with their furious assailant. The people of 
the city could only look on helpless, and witness 
with despair the burning and sinking of the lordly 
galleons of which they had been so proud. In a 
day and two nights no less than ten thousand 
tons' burden of Spanish shipping had been de- 
stroyed by Drake's fleet ; and thus a blow had been 
dealt at the naval strength of Spain, which ren- 
dered King Philip powerless for a whole year to 
put his plan of invasion into effect. 

Drake's object had now been accomplished. 
But he was by no means satisfied with having dealt 
so fell a blow upon the Spanish enemy. His fleet 
was intact, and his men were flushed with victory, 
and eager for fresh exploits. His old instincts of 
plunder and gain were rekindled. He thought of 
the public-spirited merchants of London ; and 
made up his mind that he would try a stroke which 
might reward them for their generosity in raising 



228 DRAKE : 

the fleet. He had heard that a richly-laden Portu- 
guese galleon, the ** St. Philip," was just now on 
its way to the Azore islands. The Portuguese 
were at this time the close friends and allies of 
Spain, and had always been hostile to and jealous 
of England's prowess on the sea. So Drake re- 
solved that he would direct his course to the 
Azores, and if possible capture the brilliant prize. 

The voyage to the islands was a slow and 
stormy one. The crews suffered greatly for want of 
water and provisions. Once or twice the tempests 
rose to such furious heights that the men began 
to lose their spirit, and to clamor to return home. 
But Drake never quailed before the prospect of 
starvation, or the wrath of the elements. He 
promptly suppressed the murmurs of discontent, 
and kept grimly on his way. Not long after the 
arrival of the fleet, amid many privations, at the 
Azores, sure enough the " St. Philip " hove in 
sight. To surround and capture her was not a very 
difficult task ; and Drake had the satisfaction of 
finding that her cargo was quite as precious as he 
had been led to expect. She proved, indeed, the 
richest prize he had ever taken. He exultingly 
declared that the very name of the galleon — which 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 229 

was also that of the Spanish king — was an augury 
of the coming triumph of England. 

With the "St. Philip" in tow the fleet now 
returned home, and was received, on its arrival, 
with every demonstration of popular joy. Drake 
was welcomed with fresh honors at the royal court, 
and the London merchants were rejoiced to receive 
back, from the prize, a portion of the sums they 
had spent in fitting out the fleet. Drake boasted 
proudly that he had " burned the Spanish king's 
beard." 

The rage of King Philip, indeed, at the blows 
which he had received from the intrepid navigator, 
passed all bounds. He sent an arrogant message 
to the English queen by his ambassador, which, as 
was the custom of the age, was conveyed in a 
Latin verse. Translated, the message ran thus : — 

"These to you are our commands : 
Send no help to the Netherlands. 
Of the treasure took by Drake, 
Restitution you must make. 
And these abbeys build anew, 
Which your fathers ovei'threw." 

The brave Elizabeth sent back a reply quite as 
proud and spirited. 

Drake now tasted, for a few months, the sweets 



230 



DRAKE : 



of repose. He retired to Plymouth where, with his 
wife and friends, he enjoyed his hard earned wealth 
and fame. He took an active interest in the affairs 
of the thriving town ; and among other benefits 
which he conferred upon it, he introduced water into 
its streets, at a large expense, from springs eight 
miles away. 

But a time soon came when his country more 
than ever needed his grim energy and his valiant 
arm ; and he eagerly set forth again in answer to 
her summons. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 23 1 




CHAPTER XV. 

THE SPANISH ARMADA. 

LTHOUGH Drake's exploits at Cadiz had 
seriously crippled the Spanish navy, and 
had postponed Philip's cherished project 
of invading England, they had not rendered him 
wholly powerless. Within a year, the ravages 
upon his fleet had been repaired ; and while Drake 
was taking his ease with his friends at Plymouth, 
he heard tidings, every now and then, of the for- 
midable preparations which were being made by 
the Spanish king. The time was fast approaching 
when Philip would be ready to put his arrogant 
plan into execution. The English were meanwhile 
busy collecting and fitting up their ships of war, 
and strengthening the defences of the coast. 
Drake knew that when the moment of conflict 
came, his services would be demanded by the 
queen ; and he held himself always ready to re- 
spond to the royal summons. 

One day a message came to Drake to proceed 
in all haste to London. On his arrival there, he 



232 DRAKE : 

found all the principal admirals and naval officers 
assembled. Startling news had arrived. It was 
declared that the Spanish fleet had already sailed, 
and was under full sail for the English Channel. 
This fleet, it was said, consisted of no less than one 
hundred and fifty men-of-war; of these, twelve 
were named after the twelve apostles. The Duke 
of Medina Sidonia commanded as grand admiral. 
Among his vice-admirals were several sea-warriors 
of great renown ; of these, the most conspicuous 
was Martin Recalde, who was second in command. 
The famous soldier, Alexander Farnese, Duke of 
Parma, was said to be at the head of thirty thousand 
men at Bruges, in Flanders, ready to co-operate at 
the right moment with the Spanish fleet against 
England. 

The first step taken by Queen Elizabeth was to 
despatch Lord Henry Seymour with a fleet of 
forty sail to the Flemish coast, to hold the Duke 
of Parma in check. Lord Howard of Effingham 
was appointed admiral of the main English fleet, and 
Drake was chosen as his second in command. The 
other vice-admirals were Sir John Hawkins and Sir 
Martin Frobisher. 

These four naval heroes now repaired to Plym- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 233 

outh, which had been selected as the rendezvous 
of the fleet. In Plymouth harbor the scene was a 
lively and bustling one. Day after day the stately 
men-of-war glided one by one into the roadstead ; 
while the harbor was full of smaller craft, plying 
to and fro, and crossing and recrossing each other's 
tracks. The plan was to await the Spanish fleet 
at Plymouth, and while it was passing up the 
Channel, fall furiously upon its flanks and rear with 
the English ships. 

The four famous commanders were close friends. 
While waiting for the moment of conflict, and 
supervising the assemblage and equipment of the 
fleet, they employed many leisure hours in the 
sturdy recreations of the time. 

One day they were engaged in an exciting game 
of bowls, on Plymouth Hoe. The party was a 
large one, consisting of Lord Howard, Drake, 
Frobisher, Hawkins, Sir Richard Grenville, Sir 
Walter Ralegh, and the mayor of Plymouth. Just 
as the rough pastime was at its height, a man came 
hastening upon the ground. It proved to be the 
captain of a Scotch privateer, named Fleming. 
His face was red with running, and he was so 
breathless that at first he could scarcely speak. The 



234 



DRAKE : 



bowlers stopped, and gathering around him, asked 
him what tidings he brought. 

"The Spanish fleet," he replied between his 
gasps, " is e'en now off the Cornish coast. I have 
just come from thence in my cruiser, and saw them 
plainly, flags flying, with my own eyes." 

At this alarming news. Lord Howard and Haw- 
kins began to hurry out of the field in the direction 
of the harbor. But Drake called to them to stop. 

" Nay, gentlemen," said he, " let us go on with 
the game. There's plenty of time to finish it, and 
to beat the Spaniards afterward." 

Howard and Hawkins returned, and sure enough 
the game went steadily on until it was finished. 
When it had been lost and won, the admirals re- 
paired to the fleet and gave orders to make 
immediate preparations for the proposed attack. 
It was at four o'clock on the afternoon of July 19, 
1588, that Fleming brought the news of the arrival 
of the Spanish Armada. By noon the next day 
Howard's fleet was manned, ranged in hne, and 
ready to sally forth. Just at that hour, the stately 
procession of the great Spanish galleons hove in 
sight, floating slowly and proudly up the Channel 
in the form of a crescent, and stretching over a 
space of seven miles. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 235 

It was a sight to daunt the bravest soul ; but 
the stout English sea-warriors were only impatient 
and eager for the fray. The armada was allowed 
to pass Plymouth harbor unmolested, and to sail 
some distance further eastward. The next morning, 
however, — the 21st of July, — Howard resolved to 
begin his assault. He first sent forward a pinnace, 
called the "Defiance," to worry the rear of the 
armada. No sooner had the shots from the " De- 
fiance " been heard, than Drake boldly sallied forth 
in the " Revenge," and furiously attacked the 
Spanish squadron commanded by Recalde. This 
squadron had lagged behind the rest of the armada ; 
and being thus furiously set upon by Drake, hast- 
ened to rejoin the main Spanish fleet. While 
Drake was not yet prepared to attack the entire ar- 
mada, he did not remain inactive. An incident 
which occurred just as the sun was setting, gave 
him a chance of showing his prowess, which he 
promptly seized. 

A large Spanish ship, with a considerable treas- 
ure on board, took fire ; whether by accident or 
from the English shots was never known. So 
valuable was her cargo that the Spaniards were 
unwilling to abandon her without trying, at least, 



236 DRAKE : 

to secure it. So a big galleon, commanded by a 
famous grandee named Don Pedro de Valdez, 
with whom were fifty Spaniards of high rank, bore 
down on the burning ship to rescue the treasure 
from the flames. The fire had not yet got be- 
yond the control of Don Pedro's exertions ; and in 
a few minutes, he was relieved to find it quite 
extinguished. But it happened that Drake was 
lurking not far off in the " Revenge." When, there- 
fore, he saw the galleon turn and hasten to the 
succor of the burning ship, he suddenly turned 
and swooped down upon her. A fierce and vig- 
orous attack soon reduced Don Pedro to the neces- 
sity of a surrender. Drake at once boarded the 
galleon, and his soldiers made prisoners of all its 
occupants. As Drake stood on deck, giving his 
orders, the proud Don Pedro approached him, and 
bending, politely kissed his hand. 

" We had resolved," said he, " to die in battle ; 
and we would have done so, had we not had the 
good fortune to fall into the hands of so gentle and 
courteous a warrior, who is generous to a van- 
quished foe. It is doubtful, sir, whether your ene- 
mies have greater cause to admire and love you 
for your valiant and prosperous exploits, or to dread 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 23/ 

you for your wisdom and good fortune. Surely, 
you are favored alike by Mars, the god of war, and 
by Neptune, the god of the sea." 

This courtly speech softened Drake's heart. He 
gave orders that each of the captives, and especially 
Don Pedro, should be treated with all respect and 
kindness. The galleon,- with the prisoners, were 
sent into Dartmouth harbor. Don Pedro and his 
companions remained in England for two years ; 
at the end of which time Drake received over fifteen 
thousand dollars for their ransom. On the galleon 
he captured fifty-five thousand ducats, which he 
promptly divided among his crew. This was the 
only booty of large value taken from the Spaniards 
during this memorable conflict. 

The morning after this exploit the English fleet, 
and the innumerable smaller craft which had been 
lying in wait in the Dover and Sussex harbors, 
poured forth in a forest of sail into the Channel, 
and bore down upon the lofty galleons of Spain. 
On every side the armada was worried and assailed 
by little vessels, while at the same time, on its 
flanks and rear, the heavy shots from the cannon 
of the English men-of-war made fearful havoc. 
The persistent assaults of the small craft, indeed, 



238 DRAKE : 

were as if " a whale were attacked by the harpoons 
of a flotilla of boats." The conflict went on in 
great confusion, but without rest or parley, day by 
day and night by night. The English never once 
slackened their pursuit, or the fury of their blows 
upon the invading fleet. The men-of-war kept 
sternly forward ; the smaller craft clung to the gal- 
leons like countless leeches : the admirals, refusing 
to take repose, remained constantly on deck, to 
inspire their men and to direct the whirlwind of 
ceaseless battle. The English soldiers and sailors 
fought like lions ; while, from the first, the luck- 
less Spaniards seemed to feel the shadow of coming 
defeat. 

At last, on the night of July 28th, when the 
armada had been slowly but steadily driven through 
the Channel and to the entrance of the German 
ocean, a stratagem devised by the English com- 
pleted its discomfiture. Eight boats, packed with 
combustible materials, were set on fire, and were 
driven by a favorable wind into the very midst of 
the Spanish galleons. A scene of confusion, 
terror, and despair quickly followed. The Span- 
iards made all haste to cut their cables and to 
allow their ships to drift towards the perilous coast ; 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 239 

but in some cases this was done too late. Galleon 
after galleon became a mass of glaring and roaring 
flame, which cast its lurid reflection far over the 
night-darkened waters. The frantic separation of 
the galleons from each other proved Drake's op- 
portunity, which he was quick to seize. At once 
bearing down upon the scene with his squadron^ 
which he himself led on the " Revenge," he boarded 
and captured twelve of the stately ships. With 
these in tow he retired and rejoined the rest of the 
English fleet. This was the last, as it was the 
most heroic exploit which attended the overwhelm- 
ing victory of the English over the " Invincible 
Armada." 

The almost entire destruction of the armada by 
tempest, after it had been riddled by English shot 
and diminished by Drake's bold capture, speedily 
succeeded the latter event. Of the one hundred 
and fifty ships with which the Duke of Medina 
Sidonia had sailed from Spain, only sixty returned. 
These were more or less disabled. King Philip, 
when he heard of the calamities of his proud fleet, 
bitterly exclaimed, " I did not send them to fight 
against winds and waves ! " 

This brilliant victory of the English carried the 



240 DRAKE : 

fame of Elizabeth and her naval heroes to the 
highest point. The years which followed, as the 
historian Froude says, "were years of splendor 
and triumph. The flag of England became su- 
preme on the seas ; English commerce penetrated 
to the farthest corners of the Old World, and 
English colonies rooted themselves on the shores" 
of the New. The national intellect, strung by the 
excitement of sixty years, took shape in a litera- 
ture which is an eternal possession of mankind." 

It is interesting to think that had it not been 
for the defeat of the " Invincible Armada," the 
Pilgrims might never have landed at Plymouth, 
or John Smith's colony at Jamestown. Our 
shores might, instead, have been settled by Spanish 
cavaliers and freebooters, and then the destinies 
of our continent might have been turned into far 
different channels. ■ And it was to Drake's valor 
and skill, more than to any other comm^ander, that 
this momentous triumph was due, so important in 
its remote as well as in its immediate results. It 
made England, and not Spain, the pioneer of the 
new world's civilization. 

It is no wonder that Drake and the other heroes 
of this great sea-battle were overwhelmed with hon- 







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Pi 
< 

H 

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THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 24I 

ors and adulation. Brilliant banquets were held in 
the palace, and for awhile all London gave itself 
over to the joyous celebrations of the event. Busi- 
ness was suspended, and the people devoted them- 
selves to the pastimes of a long holiday. The 
queen and her courtiers went freely to and fro, to 
be everywhere greeted with the lusty applause of 
multitudes, and to receive the gratifying evidences 
of a revived loyalty. Elizabeth ordered that pray- 
ers of thanksgiving should be offered up in every 
church in her realm for the noble victory ; and 
went herself one day, in great state, surrounded by 
a dazzling cortege of nobles and warriors, to the 
cathedral of St. Paul's, to be present at the thanks- 
giving service. "^ 

But however complete the discomfiture of the 
Spaniards for the time, Elizabeth and her advisers 
knew that it would not be wise to rest content with 
this triumph. The people clamored to follow it up 
by an attack upon the arrogant power which had so 
rashly defied England's prowess in her native waters. 
Spain herself must be assailed on her own soil. 
The queen, who had as stout and warlike a soul as 
any of her generals or admirals, quickly responded 
to this loud popular appeal. Scarcely had the 



242 DRAKE : 

English fleet been once more anchored in the 
docks, than preparations were begun to send forth 
another expedition. As soon as this was known, 
sailors and soldiers flocked from every direction, 
eager to have a share in its ventures and its glory. 
No less than twenty thousand offered their arms and 
lives to the cause ; and before many months the 
expedition was ready for departure. 

All eyes were turned to one man as its admiral. 
Drake alone possessed the genius and the ex- 
perience to successfully cope with the still power- 
ful foe on his own ground. He was placed in 
command of the fleet ; Sir John Norris went with 
him as the general of the land forces ; and among 
the gallant knights who joined Drake's standard 
with impetuous ardor was the young Earl of Essex, 
then the favorite of the queen. Drake's aim was 
to strike at Spain through her ally and neighbor, 
Portugal. It happened that a pretender to the 
throne of Portugal, named Don Antonio of Crato, 
had long been livinrg as an exile in England. His 
pretensions supplied a good pretext for attacking 
the Portuguese. Elizabeth espoused his cause, 
and gave out that the object of Drake's expedition 
was to place him on the throne which he claimed. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 243 

Accordingly, Don Antonio went with Drake on 
the flag-ship. 

On the 5 th of April, 1589, the fleet sailed from 
Plymouth. But it had scarcely got into the open 
sea before a quarrel arose between Drake and 
Norris. The result of this quarrel, which con- 
tinued throughout the voyage, was to greatly lessen 
the success of Drake's operations. On anchoring 
off Corunna, Drake wished to attack that seaport ; 
but Norris so strenuously opposed this, that Drake 
was forced to yield. The fleet then put in at 
Peniche. There the soldiers under Norris and 
Essex were landed, and marched on Lisbon, the 
Portuguese capital, while the ships bore down 
along the coast upon the same point. The troops 
reached the city first, Norris had been deceived 
in believing that the people would rise in favor of 
Don Antonio, and would welcome the English. 
He now found himself confronted by a hostile 
population, and saw the Portuguese guns frowning 
down upon him from the seven hills of Lisbon. 
His force was too small to assault a place so 
strongly defended ; and before Drake could arrive 
off the harbor with the fleet, Norris was forced to 
retreat from the town. 



244 • DRAKE : 

Meanwhile, Drake, who had intended to lead 
the fleet up the river Tagus, on whose banks 
Lisbon stands, found it impossible to do this, the 
mouth of the river being guarded by the castle of 
St. Julian. He therefore seized Cascaez, a small, 
town at the mouth of the river, and while there 
captured a squadron of Portuguese ships laden 
with corn. This was the only important result 
of this ill-fated expedition. The troops soon after 
embarked, and after a brief and unfortunate cruise 
to the Azores, during which much sickness pre- 
vailed on the ships, and several violent storms 
assailed them, Drake returned crestfallen to Eng- 
land. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 24$ 




CHAPTER XVI. 

drake's last voyage. 

P to this disastrous voyage, Drake's career 
had been one of unbroken success and vic- 
tory. The failure to capture Lisbon was 
the first check to his brilliant fortunes. He was 
now over fifty years of age ; his rough and turbu- 
lent life had made him an old man before his time. 
From this turning-point, too, he was destined to 
meet with nothing but disappointment. The last 
years of this great hero of the seas were destined 
to be spent amid the gloom of defeat and abortive 
ventures. 

On his arrival in England, Drake encountered 
savage attacks from his enemies. No man of his 
fame, achievements and influence could hope to 
escape jealousy and calumny. His foes at court 
seized upon the ill-success of his expedition to Port- 
ugal as a pretext for the most malignant charges 
against him. It was said that his pretensions to 
naval prowess were hollow ; that he had never 



246 DRAKE : 

achieved what he had boasted of having done ; that 
he was not loyal to the queen. 

Drake indignantly demanded to be heard before 
the royal council. When, gray and bronzed, with 
kindling eyes and haughty mien, he appeared at 
the council board around which sat the most re- 
nowned statesmen of England, he instantly won 
the respect of all ; and when, with direct and sim- 
ple eloquence, he defended his conduct from the 
foul aspersions which had been cast upon it, and 
showed that the divided command between him 
and Norris was the main cause of the failure of the 
Lisbon expedition, he was acquitted by the coun- 
cil with one voice of the charges brought against 
him, and dismissed with untarnished honor. He 
was still received with distinction at the court of 
Elizabeth, which was now at the zenith of its pros- 
perity and splendor ; and shared for a while with 
hearty zest the elegant pleasures of its gay and 
witty cavaliers. Then, tiring of the show, extrava- 
gance and hoUowness of existence amid the throng 
of courtiers, the old hero retired to his beloved 
Plymouth, thinking to spend his declining years 
with wife and friends, and in the midst of the 
maritime bustle of the busy port. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 247* 

Drake had always been greatly beloved at Plym- 
outh. The people of the town, who regarded him as 
one of themselves, had been very proud of his mar- 
vellous exploits on the sea. They had witnessed his 
kindness to his parents and brothers. They had 
themselves benefited by his generosity in many 
ways, and especially in introducing, at his own ex- 
pense, water into the town. They had crowded 
the quays whenever an expedition, in which he had 
a command, set forth from their pretty harbor ; and 
had bade him " God speed " when, with the other 
great naval captains, he had set forth to grapple 
with the " Invincible Armada." 

It may well be believed, therefore, that on his 
return to settle down in their midst, he was wel- 
comed with universal warmth and was treated with 
pre-eminent honor. He showed that he was grate- 
ful for this affection by many fresh acts of public 
benefaction. Among other deeds of this kind, he 
established, with his kinsman. Sir John Hawkins, 
what was called the ** Chest of Chatham ; " which 
was a generous provision for the relief of aged and 
invalid sailors. In 1593 Drake was chosen by 
Plymouth as a member of the House of Commons ; 
and once more, for a short while, found himself 



248 DRAKE : 

in the midst of the busy world of London again. 
To sit in Parliament was not wholly new to him, 
for once before he had been a member for a brief 
period. But the turmoil and arts of politics did 
not suit his blunt, honest temperament ; and he 
did not attempt to achieve renown on this arena. 

Though old and weary, his ambitious and vent- 
uresome spirit was not yet broken. After a short 
while he chafed under the uncongenial pursuits of 
political life, and grew weary of his indolent exist- 
ence at Plymouth. Once more the yearning for 
the sea and the intoxication of conflict took pos- 
session of him. The war with Spain had not yet 
come to an end. It still went on, for the most 
part on the ocean. Drake saw with impatience 
one fleet after another sail away from Plymouth 
harbor in pursuit of conquest and plunder. At 
last he could brook his indolence no longer. He 
went to London and once more offered his services 
to Elizabeth. In spite of his discomfiture at Lis- 
bon, he was still looked upon as the bravest and 
most skilful sea-warrior of the age ; and his offer 
to re-enter upon his old avocation was eagerly ac- 
cepted. 

The fire of Drake's hatred of the Spaniards still 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 249 

burned fiercely in his breast. He could not bear 
to see the war against them languishing, or to hear 
of the occasional victories which they won over 
Elizabeth's squadrons. 

With all his old zeal and energy, therefore, he 
set about raising a fleet for a fresh expedition. 
He drew generously on his ample fortune for this 
purpose. He joined his ancient comrade, Sir 
John Hawkins, in his plans, and it was agreed that 
Sir John, being the elder in years and experience, 
should take equal command in the fleet. No pains 
were spared to make this fleet as formidable as 
possible. Queen Elizabeth supplied six stout 
men-of-war ; and twenty-one more were purchased, 
equipped, and provisioned by Hawkins and Drake. 
A force of twenty-five hundred men, many of 
them veterans in military and naval warfare, was 
collected; and the ships were provided with an 
abundant supply of cannon, arms and ammunition. 
Drake proposed that the expedition should be 
directed against the West Indies and the Spanish 
settlements in Central America. He thus chose a 
ground of attack with which he had become famil- 
iar by several previous voyages and campaigns. 
With the fleet was to go an able general named 



250 DRAKE : 

Sir Thomas Baskerville, to take command of the 
land force. 

The fleet was ready to sail in the early summer 
of 1595. But just as Hawkins and Drake were 
about to set forth, it was reported that Spain 
was on the point of despatching another powerful 
fleet to invade England. They were therefore 
delayed in order to take part in the defence of the 
coast, should the rumor prove true. But after 
weeks had passed, and no new Armada made its 
appearance, the admirals at last resolved that there 
was no reason for waiting any longer. On the 
28th day of August, 1595, the stately fleet of 
twenty-seven sail, booming with its guns, flying 
its standards and pennons, and spreading all its new 
snow-white canvass, slowly filed out of Plymouth 
harbor, followed by the acclamations of the peo- 
ple. 

As Drake stood on the deck of his ship, he 
looked long and earnestly at the fast-fading cliffs 
of his native Devon. Perhaps, as with sad eyes 
he scanned the familiar scenes, he had a feeling 
that he should never behold them again. It was, 
indeed, the last time that his gaze would rest upon 
the fair landscape of England. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 25 1 

The fleet was divided into two squadrons, com- 
manded by Drake and Hawkins respectively. It 
had not proceeded far before Drake perceived 
into what an error he had fallen in sailing with a 
divided command. This had already been the 
cause of his first failure at Lisbon ; and now he 
had committed the same mistake which he had 
done before. He and Hawkins had been life-long 
friends and comrades ; but both were proud men, 
unused to being commanded by others, and not 
easy to yield to opinions contrary to their own. 
A few days after sailing, the chief officers of the 
fleet met in council on board of the "Garland," 
which was the flag-ship. Drake complained that 
he had three hundred more men in his squadron 
than there were in the other ; and demanded that 
a portion of them should be transferred to the 
ships under Hawkins. To this Hawkins objected ; 
whereupon an angry quarrel ensued between the 
two admirals, in the presence of all their officers. 
The bad blood thus aroused brought confusion 
and weakness into the councils of the fleet, and 
was destined to mar its success in more ways than 

one. 

About a week after the altercation of the ad- 



252 DRAKE : 

mirals, another council of the officers was sum- 
moned on board the *' Defiance," the ship 
commanded by Drake. While the ultimate desti- 
nation of the fleet was the West Indies, Drake 
desired that it should first diverge to the Cana- 
ries ; for it had been reported that a rich Spanish 
galleon was lying off those islands, which was well 
worth the trouble of capturing. Once more the 
two admirals bitterly disagreed. Hawkins insisted 
that the fleet should sail directly for the West 
Indies. The quarrel might have ended in the sep- 
aration of the squadrons, had not the general, Sir 
Thomas Baskerville, interposed and pacified the 
angry old sea-dogs. He succeeded in making 
them shake hands ; and the next day the admirals, 
with Baskerville, dined with great good nature and 
festivity on board the " Garland." 

Drake's wishes prevailed. The fleet directed its 
course to the Canaries, which were reached about 
a month after the departure from Plymouth. An- 
choring off one of the larger islands, the Englishmen 
found it to be strongly defended and prepared for 
their assault. Drake ordered his pinnaces to be 
manned and sent forward to assail the fort ; but 
when they approached within its range, they were 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 253 

SO furiously overwhelmed with the enemy's shot that 
they were forced to return to the fleet in all haste. 
Drake would not depart, however, until he had made 
one more attempt to capture the place. The fleet 
sailed around the island, and now anchored off the 
southwestern point of the island, where water was 
taken in. But after sending a force on shore which 
achieved nothing, and was repulsed by guerillas, 
Drake finally gave up his attempt altogether. 

Drake's last voyage across the Atlantic was a 
rapid one, for it consumed exactly one month. 
Leaving the Canaries on the 28th of September, 
i595j t)^^ flsGt sighted a small island lying just 
southeast of St. Domingo on the 27th of October. 
During the voyage Sir John Hawkins, who was now 
old and worn by many voyages, fell ill ; and this 
event softened the ill-feeling between the two 
admirals. It was decided not to make an attack 
upon St. Domingo, but to push on to Guadaloupe. 
While the fleet was anchored at this island, one of 
the ships, the " Delight," which, with several others, 
had been separated from the fleet, arrived one morn- 
ing with startling news. A Spanish fleet of nine 
frigates had encountered the straying vessels, and 
had captured the ^'Francis," one of Drake's squadron. 



254 DRAKE : 

This news filled Drake with disappointment 
and anger ; and, in his old impetuous way, he 
urged that the whole fleet should forthwith pro- 
ceed in pursuit of the Spaniards. It was clear 
that the Spaniards knew of the arrival of the 
English armament, and would very likely balk 
Drake's designs upon the islands and colonies. 
But to Drake's rash proposal Hawkins refused to 
agree ; and in this he was sustained by the other 
officers. Instead, therefore, of sailing in search of 
the Spanish fleet, the two squadrons lay for sojne 
time off Guadaloupe. This island was barren and 
cheerless; there were no towns to plunder, nor 
were there products to be gathered as provisions. 
The time was therefore employed in trimming the 
ships, mounting the cannon, and taking in a supply 
of fresh water. 

The next destination of the fleet was the large 
island of Porto Rico. On the way a landing was 
made on one of the Virgin Islands, where the 
forces of the fleet were reckoned up and divided 
off anew into companies. At this place Haw- 
kins's, illness so rapidly increased that his compan- 
ions became greatly alarmed. The ill-fortune of 
the expedition thus far had preyed upon his gal- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 255 

lant and ambitious spirit, and had dggfavated the 
malady with which he had long been suffering. 
The old hero, who was carefully tended on board 
the flag-ship, impatiently demanded that the fleet 
should make all haste for Porto Rico. That island 
was reached on the nth of November. Hawkins 
revived his spirits on beholding this famous spot, 
which he knew to be a Spanish stronghold, a depot 
for treasure, and very fruitful. But on the next 
day he sank rapidly ; and at three o'clock in the 
afternoon, surrounded by Drake and other officers, 
the weary sea-rover breathed his last. 

The death of Hawkins left Drake in sole com- 
mand of the fleet. He bitterly mourned the loss 
of his old kinsman and friend ; for during Haw- 
kins* illness the quarrel between them had been 
healed, and Drake had patiently yielded to Haw- 
kins' wishes as to the fleet. But Drake had no 
time to waste in deploring this loss. The expedi- 
tion had thus far accomplished nothing. It was 
necessary to put his plans into execution without 
delay. Baskerville succeeded Hawkins in com- 
mand of the flag-ship ** Garland;" and now a 
prompt attack upon the town of Porto Rico was 
resolved upon. 



256 DRAKE : 

The Spanish on shore had been aroused by the 
appearance of the English fleet off the harbor. 
Hawkins had not been dead three hours before 
four cannon had been planted directly opposite 
the foremost line of Drake's ships. It happened 
that Drake, with Sir Nicholas Clifford and several 
other officers of high rank, were sitting at supper 
on board the "Defiance," the ship which lay near- 
est the shore. While they were thus regaling them- 
selves, suddenly a cannon-ball crushed through 
the ship's side, and whizzed across the great 
cabin where the officers were. It struck the 
stool upon which Drake was sitting, and sent 
him sprawling upon the floor. He escaped more 
easily than some of his companions. Sir Nicholas 
Clifford and Captain Brute Brown were fatally 
wounded ; and three other officers were seriously 
hurt. 

Drake at once ordered the ships which lay too 
near the shore to draw off out of range of the 
cannon. His blood was up, however, and he 
resolved on a desperate attack the next day. Be- 
sides the well-armed fort which rose in the town 
near the water's edge, five Spanish frigates now 
appeared to take part in the defence of the place. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 25/ 

These vessels rode securely under the protection 
of the guns of the fort. 

Drake saw that he could not safelv land his sol- 
diers under the double fire of the frigates and the 
fort ; so, on the following night he made a desper- 
ate attempt to set fire to the frigates. His boats 
succeeded in burning one of them; and the con- 
flagration, bursting forth from deck and mast amid 
the blackness of midnight, lit up the scene with a 
fierce and lurid glare, and lighted Up the town, 
the harbor and the sea with a weird illumination. 
But the other frigates resisted every attempt to 
fire them, and at the same time opened with such 
a deadly effect upon Drake's smaller craft that 
several of them, to his intense chagrin, sank be- 
fore his eyes. 

But Drake continued the conflict with desperate 
valor. Again and again the English ships ad- 
vanced to the attack upon the Spanish fort and fleet, 
but each time were repulsed with heavy loss. Not 
only the fort, but the shore below, bristled with 
the Spanish artillery; and the Spanish force was 
evidently much larger than the English. Night 
closed upon the scene, and the din of battle 
ceased ; still, Drake refused to confess that he was 



258 DRAKE : 

beaten, by withdrawing his fleet and continuing 
the voyage. He called a council of his chief offi- 
cers, and asked each in turn his advice. The 
voices of nearly all were for retreat ; but two of 
the officers. Rush and Maynard, urged that there 
was still a chance for victory. Drake, ever more 
ready to receive warlike coiinsels than to retreat 
before even a more powerful enemy, resolved that,^ 
next day, he would again attack Porto Rico. 

The coming of dawn, however, showed that the 
Spaniards had made up. their minds to sacrifice 
everything to the successful defence of the place. 
As Drake ascended on deck and gazed toward the 
harbor, he saw that the Spaniards were sinking 
some of their frigates in its waters. Four large 
ships were sunk one after another. Then two 
more were set on fire, and amid the illumination 
thus created, the Spaniards in the fort opened a 
terrific fire on the English fleet. 

Drake now perceived that to continue the attack 
would be an act not so much of courage as of 
wanton folly. With a heavy heart he gave the or- 
der to his vessels to retreat. This they could do 
safely, for the Spanish frigates would have been 
no match for them on the open sea. Slowly the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 259 

fleet sailed away. They soon turned an eastern 
promontory of the island, and were out of sight 
of the town. 

Four days later the fleet anchored at the west- 
ern end of the island, in the smooth and pleasant 
bay of St. Jermana. The coast thereabouts was 
undefended, and the weary wayfarers were able to 
land and wander about in safety. Here they suc- 
ceeded in getting fruit, fish and cattle, which, 
after their wanderings and privations, were most 
refreshing. The brief period of rest during which 
they sojourned at the bay of St. Jermana revived 
their strength and spirits. But Drake, whose 
heart was sorely oppressed by his repulse at Porto 
Rico, soon became restless, and ordered his men 
on board again. The fleet then once more set 
forth in search of plunder and conquest. 



26o DRAKE : 




CHAPTER XVII. 

DEATH OF DRAKE. 

OR awhile success attended the operations 
of the fleet after its departure from St. 
Jermana. Drake pursued his project of 
devastation and plunder with all his old untiring 
energy. On reaching Curagoa he had the misfor- 
tune to lose one of his ships, the "Exchange," 
which sprang a leak and sank. But the island 
was fertile, and the crews regaled themselves upon 
the cattle and goats which they found there in 
abundance. The next attack was made upon Rio 
de la Hacha, a large and flourishing Spanish settle- 
ment. The town was undefended ; but the inhab- 
itants, having heard of the approach of the English 
fleet, had made all haste to collect their valuables, 
and to carry and hide them in the woods in the in- 
terior. Drake landed with a company of soldiers, 
scoured the country for twenty miles around 
the town, and succeeded in discovering a large 
part of the treasure which had been concealed. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 26 1 

Quite a number of prisoners, both Spaniards and 
negroes, were taken at Rio de la Hacha. 

Leaving his fleet anchored in the harbor of this 
place, Drake set out with two hundred men in row- 
boats to attack the neighboring town of Lancheria, 
where he obtained a quantity of pearls, besides 
capturing a Spanish caravel which proved to contain 
money, wine and myrrh. The Spanish governor 
of this town, in order to gain time to convey its 
treasures away in safety, sent to Drake proposing 
to give a heavy ransom. But Drake saw through 
the artifice, and, though he liberated the prisoners 
he had taken, he set fire to the town and the Span- 
ish boats and then returned to his fleet. 

The next day he sailed for Santa Martha, a very 
picturesque town on the coast which presented an 
inviting point of attack. Landing his troops on 
the shore below, he advanced upon the ramparts, 
which proved to be weakly defended. The English 
entered the town, meeting with no other resistance 
than a few shots from the woods on either side. 
But here, as in so many other places, the people 
had been forewarned of the approach of their foe, 
and had carried away everything of value. The 
English were at least able to procure a good store 



262 DRAKE : 

of provisions in this town, which, after in vain 
searching for treasure, Drake ordered to be burned 
to the ground. 

Not very far from Santa Martha was the great 
depot of Nombre de Dios, which Drake had more 
than once taken and plundered. It was still an 
emporium of Spanish trade and a store-house of 
Spanish treasures. Drake had looked forward to 
the capture and pillage of Nombre de Dios as a 
compensation for all his bitter disappointments. It 
was with high hope, therefore, that he saw its spires, 
its fort, and its walls appear in view over the waters. 
The morning after anchoring off the town Drake 
landed his men, and advanced boldly under a feeble 
fire from the little fort. The Spaniards in the fort 
had but one small cannon, which unluckily for 
them, burst the first time they attempted to fire it. 
Meanwhile Drake and his men, as they approached 
the ramparts, could plainly see the people flying 
terrified in all directions. Two or three Spaniards 
in their fright ran directly toward the advancing 
column, and were taken prisoners. Drake ques- 
tioned them closely ; and learned, greatly to his 
chagrin, that everything of value had already been 
carried out of the town and safely hidden in the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 263 

interior of the country ; while much of the treasure 
had been hastily transferred on mules to Panama, 
on the other side of the isthmus. 

Desperate with this crowning disappointment, 
Drake caused Nombre de Dios to be burned ; and 
before the English retired, every building in it had 
fallen a prey to the flames. For once the stout 
heart of the old sea-dog nearly failed him. His 
health was much broken by the repeated calamities 
of the voyage, and had been seriously affected by 
the death of Hawkins. He now half-resolved to 
give up the further pursuit of the expedition and 
to return crestfallen to England. But the thought 
of the stigma which would obscure his renown, and 
the disgrace which would fall upon him in his old 
age, spurred him up to one more vigorous attempt 
to retrieve his recent misfortunes. 

The road across the isthmus to Panama was, 
as Drake well knew by experience, a rough and 
dangerous one. There were two routes thither. 
By "the river Chagres, the mouth of which lay 
sixty miles from where the fleet was anchored, a 
flotilla might pass up to within about fifteen miles 
of Panama. By the rude, difficult road across 
the isthmus the way was through dreary desert 



264 DRAKE : 

expanses and over rugged, pathless eminences. 
This route was a wearisome one ; and besides, the 
English lacked means for carrying provisions and 
arms, and had no guides to conduct them safely. 
After a council of his chief officers, however, 
Drake decided that an expedition should be sent to 
Panama, and should go by way of the road. He 
thought the river the more dangerous, as his force 
would there be more exposed to attack. 

A force of seven hundred and fifty soldiers, 
under the command of Sir Thomas Baskerville, the 
oldest general in the fleet, was detailed to make its 
way as best it could to Panama. Drake resolved to 
await the result of the expedition on board the flag 
ship. His health was now too feeble to share, as he 
was anxious to do, the tedious march of his troops. 
Besides, it might well be that in the absence of so 
large a force the fleet might be attacked by the 
Spaniards, who were known to be lurking in the 
vicinity. 

On the 29th of December Sir Thomas Baskerville 
set out at the head of his little army. At first 
the march was rapid and unobstructed. On the 
evening of the second day the expedition had 
gone twenty-seven miles, and had not seen or 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 265 

heard of any opposing force. They were now 
midway between the two oceans. The next morn- 
ing, however, they had startling evidence that the 
Spaniards were not far off. A large building, 
which was a half-way store house between Panama 
and Nombre de Dios, was seen just ahead, enveloped 
in flames. The Spaniards had set fire to it rather 
than that it should fall into Baskerville's hands. 
The soldiers had hardly marched a league further 
when they espied a high hill, on the summit of 
which breastworks had been hurriedly thrown up. 
Presently they saw cannon bristling above the 
breastworks, and now and then the head of a 
Spaniard appeared. The fortification commanded 
the rough, winding road over which the English 
were passing. Just at this point the road ran 
between steep declivities, so that there seemed to 
be no way of avoiding the fortified hill. The 
English, however, made an attempt to pass by 
clambering up the banks, and creeping along through 
the brakes and bushes. Some of them succeeded 
in reaching a spot above the breastworks, whence, 
it seemed, an attack might be made upon it. But 
when the English attempted to fire, they found 
that their powder was spoiled by the heavy rain 



266 DRAKE : 

which had soaked them the day before. It only 
remained to give up the attempt to capture the 
breastwork. 

While Baskerville was considering what step to 
take next, one of his scouts came in with news 
which completely discouraged him. Not only did 
the fortified hill directly in front of him form an 
obstacle to his advance, but the road ahead pre- 
sented many similar strongholds of the enemy; 
and if all of these should be taken and passed in 
turn, there remained, a short distance from Panama, 
a bridge, where the Spaniards had strongly in- 
trenched themselves in far greater numbers than 
those under Baskerville's command. 

The rain had not only wet the powder ; it had 
spoiled a large portion of the provisions of the 
expedition. To the certain resistance of superior 
forces was added the danger of starvation. Some 
of Baskerville's principal officers had died by the 
way ; and one or two, including the quartermaster, 
had been killed in the abortive attempt on the 
fortified hill. The general was forced to conclude 
that the expedition had completely failed ; and 
that it would be fortunate if his little army could 
reach Nombre de Dios again, without being de- 
stroyed by the onslaughts of the Spaniards. 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 267 

The march back to the ships was a sad and 
painful one. The men grew weary with illness; 
their shoes, worn out, dropped from their blistered 
feet ; and the scant food left them weak and inca- 
pable of long marches. When at last they strag- 
gled to the shore and boarded the ships, they 
were the most woe-begone company upon whom 
Drake had ever set eyes. Their failure only in- 
creased his despondency. He became more ill 
than ever, and now could scarcely drag himself on 
deck. With all these calamities, however, his bold 
spirit was still unsubdued. He hoped against hope 
to retrieve his misfortunes. 

The fleet sailed to the mouth of the river Cha- 
gres, where Drake was again repulsed, the Span- 
iards defending the point in superior numbers. 
Advancing along the coast, Drake, after a council 
of his officers, attacked one after the other two 
Spanish settlements called Granada and Leon. 
Here a gleam of good fortune lit up the gloom of 
general calamity. He succeeded in sinking four- 
teen small Spanish frigates, and secured some bars 
of silver and other treasure. Even so trifling a 
success revived his ambition. He could not bear 
to leave America without one more effort to 
capture Panama with its abundant riches. 



268 DRAKE : 

He therefore held his course for Nicaragua ; but 
on the way he found only desolate and sickly islands, 
where his men died by the score, and no provisions 
were to be had. The loss of three of his captains 
reduced Drake again to despair ; and now at last, 
with grief-stricken heart, he was forced to abandon 
any further attempt on Panama. He declared to 
his officers that these regions were sadly changed 
from what they had been in former years. " I once 
found delicious and pleasant harbors," he said, *' but 
it now seemeth a waste and desert wilderness." 
Then his spirits would revive, and he would say 
cheerily, — 

" It matters not, my men. God hath many 
things in store for us. I know many means to do 
her majesty good service, and to make us rich. 
For we must have gold before we see England." 

But day by day the poor old hero grew more and 
more melancholy, and pined at the bitter thought 
of his balked ambition. " Since our return from 
Panama," says one of his comrades," he never car- 
ried joy or mirth in his face ; yet no man that loved 
him dared to show that he took notice thereof." 

The fleet, which had already turned its prows 
homeward, one day cast anchor in the harbor of the 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 269 

island of Porta Bella, about thirty miles from the 
coast. This was in order to search for fresh water 
and to sink one of the caravels, transferring her 
cargo and crew to a recently captured vessel. The 
harbor was the best the men had seen since leaving 
Plymouth, and they lingered in it for several days. 

Meanwhile Drake had grown, much to the grief 
of his comrades, more and more feeble. The fleet 
had not been long at Porta Bella when he became 
so weak that he could no longer leave his cabin. 
The crew began to whisper gravely to each other, 
and to move silently about the ship. The surgeon 
sadly shook his head. It was evident that the 
brave old veteran could not live ; that his span of 
life was now very short. A high fever seized him 
as he lay tossing in his cabin, and reduced his 
already wavering strength with fearful rapidity. 

The morning of Jan. 28, 1596, was bright, clear 
and genial. Drake, as he lay on his couch, felt the 
balmy influence of the air, and saw the sun's rays 
creeping in at the window. To the surgeon's dis- 
may he insisted on rising, dressing himself and 
going on deck. He declared that he was stronger, 
and that the gentle breezes would give him new life. 
Crawling from his bed and staggering across the 



270 DRAKE : 

narrow cabin, he began to put on his clothes. His 
attendants looked on with misgiving and alarm. 
He lifted his doublet, then dropped it on the floor. 
He reeled and fell against the side of the cabin. 
He began to talk wildly, as if in delirium. At last 
he sank with a groan into the surgeon's arms. He 
was tenderly lifted by the sturdy hands of his faith- 
ful sailors, and again stretched upon his couch. 

The dull pallor of death overspread his bronzed 
and wrinkled face. For nearly an hour his com- 
panions breathlessly watched the rigid features. 
Once Drake's eyes opened and looked around, 
and one hand was feebly lifted. It seemed as if he 
were about to speak. But the hand fell on the 
bed, and a film gathered over the orbs ; and in a 
few moments all was over. Sir Francis Drake 
was dead ! 

The grief and despair of the crew, who revered 
and adored their admiral, may be imagined. All 
that day there was nothing but mourning on board 
the ships. The command of the expedition now fell 
on Baskerville. His only thought was to return 
home as quickly as possible, and carry the dismal 
news. At first it was proposed that Drake's re- 
mains should be embalmed as well as their situa- 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 27I 

tion would permit, and taken to England. But 
Baskerville decided that the most fitting grave of 
the stout old sea-king was beneath the waters of 
that mighty deep which he had ridden so boldly, 
and upon which he had won his world-wide fame. 

Drake's corpse was therefore placed in a leaden 
coffin and was laid in state on the deck of the 
flag-ship. On the day after his death, the ship 
slowly floated away a league from the island. At 
that distance from any land, the funeral rites were 
held. Amid the sobs and groans of the officers 
and men, the chaplain, standing by the bier, sol- 
emnly repeated the burial service of the Church. 
Then the appointed signal was given ; a volley of 
musketry was fired over the bows ; the guns of the 
ship responded with solemn voices ; the coffin was 
slowly lifted, fastened with ropes, and swung off 
the ship's side ; and in another moment the com- 
pany heard the heavy splash, which apprized them 
that the mortal remains of the hero were seeking 
their eternal resting place, in the unfathomed 
depths. 

•' The waves became his winding-sheet, the waters were his 
tomb; 
But, for his fame, the ocean sea was not sufficient room.'* 



272 DRAKE : 

Soon after this sad event, Baskerville set sail for 
England. On the way he had a fierce battle with 
the Spanish off the island of Cuba, in which he suc- 
ceeded in sinking or burning some of the enemy's 
vessels. It was late in March when he at last 
reached home and told the tale of Drake's death. 
The news was received with universal grief. 
Mingled with the admiration which all felt for his 
exploits and triumphs, was a feeling of pitiful 
sympathy for the old hero's later misfortunes. 
Those who had envied and maligned him while 
living were silenced by his death ; and every honor 
with which the nation could crown his memory 
was lavished upon it. 

Drake, though married, had no children. His 
estate fell to his nephew, Francis Drake, who 
some years afterward was made a baronet by King 
James the First. The hero's descendants still live 
in England, and still own the landed property which 
belonged to the illustrious mariner in the time of 
Queen Elizabeth, 

History has amply confirmed Drake's fame as 
one of the greatest among that brilliant galaxy of 
genius which surrounded Elizabeth's throne. In 
an age of adventure and maritime enterprise, he 




'mjsmm 



THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 2/3 

was the foremost of England's champions on the 
sea. He outstripped the renown of the famous 
admirals who, just as he was appearing on the 
scene, had already carried England's maritime 
glory and power to a high pitch. To him, as the 
doughtiest of those who fought the " Invincible 
Armada," it is due, more than to any other, that 
England was able to continue her career of Protes- 
tant progress and civilization. 

Drake was a perfect master of the art of seaman- 
ship. He was as familiar with the minutest duties 
of a common sailor as with those of an admiral in 
command of a fleet ; and was as good at healing 
and tending the wounded as the most skilful ship's 
surgeon. He was, as we have seen, as brave as a 
lion ; and he possessed a spirit which quailed 
before no obstacle, however great, and which was 
not cast down by any defeat, however overwhelm- 
ing. The first to sail an English ship in the 
Pacific and the furthest Asiatic seas, he may be 
said to have laid the foundation of the mighty 
Oriental empire which the England of to-day rules 
with despotic sway. 

He was, above all, a patriot, from first to last 
ardently devoted to his queen and his country ; 



2/4 DRAKE : THE SEA-KING OF DEVON. 

exposing fortune and life in pursuing, plundering, 
and chastising Britain's inveterate foe and rival; 
and ever ready to obey her call in the most desperate 
ventures and amid the most cruel and long-enduring 
hardships. Well may the inheritors of his blood, 
as well as the descendants of that Elizabethan 
England which he served so long, so valiantly and 
so well, still proudly cherish the renown and keep 
green the memory of the Sea-King of Devon ! 



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(s' Heroes of tlie 

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Francisco, and finally brings up at hia place of beginning — the little village of 
Stonehaven, on the coast of New England. Rob, in one respect, is like Japhet 
that Captain Marry att has written about — he was off on these travels of his in 
search of his father. The book is full of information, and is written in a style that 
cannot fail to command the attention of its readers. The scenes which it portrays 
are illustrated by 200 beautiful pictures.-r-Z'zV/i^Mr^ Times. 

*j(c* Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers. 

LEE AND SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston. 



YOUNG FOLKS' TROPHIES OF TRAVEL. 



With the Young Americans in the Land of the Rising Sun. 



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OR, 



Tie Fnrtlier AlTentflres of tlie Jewett Faiily aii tieir 
FrieM Olo Namlio. 

By EDWARD GRE£Y. 

Author of " Young Americans in Japan," " The Golden Lotus," etc. With one 
hundred and sixty-nine illustrations. Royal Octavo, 7x91-3 inches, with cover 
in gold and colors, designed by the author, $1.75. Cloth, black and gold, $2.50. 

In the great city of the great Empire of Japan, which the Japanese themselves 
call wonderful, the Young Americans find new cause for wonder at the strange 
customs and curious sights. Under the guidance of " Oto Nambo," their staunch 
friend, they assist at a fire, dine at Tokio restaurants, are entertained by Amateur 
performers, visit all the points of interest, and meet with many adventures; but 
the most interesting part of the book to American boys will be the visits to and 
descriptions of the different trades, many of which are illustrated, and all of which 
are described, from the " seller of folded fans " to the maker of " broiled bean 
curd." Fully equal in interest and uniform with 

lOOlG AMUIMS II JAPAI; 

OR, 

The Adyeiitnre!! of tlie Jewett Family and their Friend 

Olo MIio, 

By EDWARD GRE£Y, 

With one hundred and seventy full-page and letter-press illustrations. Royal 
Octavo, 7x91-2 inches. Handsomely illuminated cover, $1.75 ! Cloth, black and 
gold, $2.50. A new edition of which is now ready. 
Mr. Edward Gre6v was a member of the famous expedition which in 1854 
caused " the land of the Rising Sun " to be opened to Eastern civUization. He 
afterward returned to Japan, " living among its estimable people, studied their 
language and literature, and what they termed 'learned their hearts.' " He is thus 
qualified to be a trustworthy guide to this, the youngest and oldest of nations. 
His pen-pictures of Japanese scenery and customs are graphic, and by the intro- 
duction of spicy conversation are made dramatic. Markets and bazaars, shake 
shops, and Buddhist temples, jin-riki-shas and jugglers, are all brought before the 

eye. 

Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt 

of price. ^^^ ^^^ SHEPARD, Publishers. Boston. 



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HANDBOOK OF LIGHT GYMNASTICS. 

By Lucy B. Hunt, Instructor in Gymnastics at Smith (Female) College, 
Northampton, Mass. Price 50 cents. 

PRACTICAL BOAT-SAILING. 

By DouGi-AS Frazar. Classic size, $1.00. With numerous diagrams and illus- 
trations. 

A concise and simple treatise on the management of small boats and yachts, 
under all conditions, with explanatory chapters on ordinary sea-manoeuvres, the 
use of sails, helm, and anchor, and advice as to what is proper to be done in differ- 
ent emergencies ; supplemented by a vocabulary of nautical terms. 

HANDBOOK OF PUNCTUATION, 

And Other Typographical Matters. For the use ol printers, authors, teachers, 

and scholars. By Marshall T. Bigelow, Corrector at the University Press, 

Cambridge, Mass. i8mo. Cloth. 50 cents. 

" I cordially recommend it to all authors, printers, and men of letters." — I. 
Austin Allibone. 

" We have found it so useful that we wish to make a special commendation of 
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HANDBOOK OF ELOCUTION SIMPLIFIED. 

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SHORT STUDIES OF AMERICAN AUTHORS. 

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HANDBOOK OF WOOD ENGRAVING. 

With Practical Instructions in the Art for persons wishing to learn without an 
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of the Art from its Origin to the Present time. By William A. Emerson, 
Wood Engraver. New Edition. Illustrated. Price $1.00. 

THE STARS AND THE EARTH; 

Or, Thoughts upon Space, Time, and Eternity. With an Introduction by Thomas 
Hill, D.D., LL.D., late President of Harvard University. Cloth, 50 cents. 



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LEE AND SHEPARD'S HANDBOOKS. 



PRONOUNCING HANDBOOK 

Of three thousand words often mispronounced, and of words as to which a choice 
of pronunciation is allowed. By Richard Soule and Loomis J. Campbell. 
Price 50 cents. 

HANDBOOK OF ENGLISH SYNONYMS. 

With an Appendix showing the correct use of prepositions, also a collection of 
foreign phrases. By Loomis J, Campbell. Cloth. Price 50 cents. 

HANDBOOK OF CONVERSATION. 

Its Faults and its Graces. Compiled by Andrew P. Peabody, D.D., LL.D. 
Comprising: i. Dr. Peabody's Lecture. 2. Mr. Trench's Lecture. 3. Mr. 
Parry Gwynn's " A Word to the Wise; or. Hints on the Current Improprieties 
of Writing and Speaking." 4. Mistakes and Improprieties in Speaking and 
and Writing corrected. Cloth. Price 50 cents. 

TAXIDERMY WITHOUT A TEACHER. 

Comprising a complete manual of instruction for preparing and preserving birds, 
animals, and fishes; with a chapter on hunting and hygiene; together with 
instructions for preserving eggs and making skeletons, and a number of valua- 
ble recipes. By Walter P. Manton, author of "Field Botany," and 
" Insects; How to Catch and How to Prepare them for the Cabinet." Illus- 
trated. 50 cents. 

INSECTS; 

How to Catch and How to Prepare them for the Cabinet. Comprising a manual 
of instruction for the field-naturalist. By Walter P. Manton. Illustrated. 
Cloth. Price 50 cents. 

FIELD BOTANY. 

A handbook for the collector. Containing instructions for gathering and preserv- 
ing plants, and the formation of a herbarium. Also complete instructions in 
leaf photography, plant printing, and the skeletonizing of leaves. By Walter 
P. Manton. Illustrated. Price 50 cents. 



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Books of Travel. 



OVER THE OCEAN; 

OR, 

SIGHTS AND SCENES IN FOREIGN LANDS. 

By Curtis Guild, editor of " The Boston Commercial Bulletin." Crown 8va 

Cloth, $2.50. 
" This is certainly a collection of some of the most perfect pen-pictures of sights 
and scenes in foreign lands we have ever seen." — Albion. 

ABROAD AGAIN; 

OR, 

FRESH FORAYS IN FOREIGN FIELDS. 

Uniform with "Over the Ocean." By the same author. Crown 8vo. Cloth. $2.50. 

AN AMERICAN GIRL ABROAD. 

By Miss Adeline Trafton, author of " His Inheritance," " Katherine Earie," 
&c. i6mo. Illustrated. $1.50. 
" ' The American Girl' is a bright, good, merry-hearted girl, off for a good time; 
and her readers are of the opinion that the journey was a decided success." — 
Liberal Christian. 

BEATEN PATHS; 

OR, 

A WOMAN'S VACATION. 

By Ella W. Thompson. i6mo. Qoth. $1.50. 
" The author seems to have hit on just the most charming things to see, and 
talks of them in a charming manner." — Tribune. 

A THOUSAND MILES' WALK ACROSS SOUTH 

AMERICA, 

OVER THE PAMPAS AND THE ANDES. 
By Nathaniel H. Bishop. i2mo. Illustrated. $1.50. 

VOYAGE OF THE PAPER CANOE. 

A Geographical Journey of Twenty-five Hundred Miles from Quebec to the Gull 
of Mexico. By the same author. With numerous illustrations and maps 
specially prepared for this work. Crown 8vo. $2.50. 

FOUR MONTHS IN A SNEAK-BOX. 

A Boat- Voyage of Twenty-six Hundred Miles down the Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers, and along the Gulf of Mexico. By the same author. With nu- 
merous maps and illustrations. $2.50. 

CAMPS IN THE CARIBBEES. 

Being the Adventures of a Naturalist Bird-Hunting in the West India Islands. 
By Fred A. Ober. Crown 8vo. With maps and illustrations. $2.50^ 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, postpaid, on 

receipt of price, 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers Boston, 



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